Both Nokia and RIM wasted no time releasing statements countering Steve Jobs’ claim that antenna problems on smartphones like the controversial iPhone 4 are present among similar devices.
On the same day that Jobs held an all-important press conference to address multiple defects of the latest iPhone—which has shipped 3 million units since its release last month—Nokia circulated a press release whose wording emphasized its commitment to functional design. Nokia’s statement highlighted their extensive research and development efforts to ensure that their devices maintain strong signal reception under various conditions. They pointed out that their phones are designed with multiple antenna solutions to avoid the kind of signal attenuation issues that were being reported with the iPhone 4. Nokia also mentioned their rigorous testing processes, which include real-world usage scenarios to ensure optimal performance.
Nokia’s Commitment to Quality
Nokia’s response was not just a defense of their own products but also a subtle critique of Apple’s approach. They emphasized that their design philosophy prioritizes user experience and reliability. Nokia’s press release stated, “We prioritize antenna performance over design aesthetics to ensure our customers have the best possible experience.” This statement was a clear jab at Apple’s focus on sleek design, which some critics argued came at the expense of functionality.
Nokia also took the opportunity to remind consumers of their long history in the mobile phone industry, suggesting that their experience and expertise set them apart from newer entrants like Apple. They highlighted their global reach and the fact that their phones are used in a wide variety of environments, from urban centers to remote rural areas, which necessitates robust and reliable antenna performance.
RIM’s Strong Rebuttal
On the other hand, the RIM response 24 hours later was in the same vein but a lot more terse and singled out Apple for its “self-made debacle.” RIM, the maker of BlackBerry devices, issued a statement that was direct and unambiguous. They accused Apple of trying to deflect attention from its own design flaws by suggesting that similar issues were common across the industry. RIM’s co-CEOs Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie stated, “Apple’s attempt to draw RIM into Apple’s self-made debacle is unacceptable.”
RIM’s statement went on to assert that their BlackBerry devices are designed to provide reliable performance and that they have not experienced the kind of widespread antenna issues reported with the iPhone 4. They emphasized their commitment to quality and reliability, pointing out that BlackBerry devices are trusted by millions of users around the world, including many in critical business and government roles.
RIM also took the opportunity to highlight their own design and testing processes, which they claimed are among the most rigorous in the industry. They mentioned that their devices undergo extensive testing in real-world conditions to ensure that they meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.
The responses from Nokia and RIM to Steve Jobs’ claims about antenna problems on smartphones were swift and pointed. Both companies used the opportunity to defend their own products and to critique Apple’s design choices. Nokia emphasized their commitment to functional design and reliability, while RIM took a more aggressive stance, accusing Apple of trying to deflect attention from its own issues. These responses highlight the competitive nature of the smartphone industry and the importance that manufacturers place on maintaining their reputations for quality and reliability.
source SlashGear
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