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August 19, 2008 1:09 PM PDT

An iPhone software update to the rescue

by Kent German
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It's all better now.

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)

Yay! Apple's iPhone 2.0.2 software update has fixed our broken iPhone 3G. Its endless loop of system restores is over, and it's now back in working order.

Yet, that seems to be just about the only change from the update. Apple promised that 2.0.2 would bring "bug fixes" (and did it it ever) but the company hasn't promised anything else. Like others I have noticed a slight improvement in the typing speed when using the keyboard, but that seems to be about it.

AppleInsider reported that in the music player the transition from list to Cover Flow mode has changed, but I'm not seeing a difference just yet. Perhaps, I'm looking in the wrong place, though, so if you find it please let me know. I haven't seen a difference in 3G reception either, but (to be fair) there was never any promise that this update would fix that problem. Still, I maintain what I said earlier: Apple needs to acknowledge what's going on.

Are you noticing other changes from the update? If so, please let me know.

Update: It appears Apple finally has acknowledged the 3G issue. On Tuesday the company told the Associated Press that the 2.0.2 update "improved communication with 3G networks." Let me know if that's the case for you.

Kent German is a senior editor for cell phone reviews at CNET. When he's not testing the newest handsets on the market, he's blogging about cell phone news for Crave. In his On Call column, he answers reader questions and gives his take on the rapidly changing mobile industry. E-mail Kent.
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by Shaymojack August 19, 2008 1:47 PM PDT
I've noticed that when in cover flow you can't turn the device upside down to rotate cover flow. You used to be able to do that.
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by hawaiiinsomniac August 19, 2008 2:20 PM PDT
I downloaded the update yesterday and my cover flow works both ways...

I actually don't notice anything with this update.
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by Shaymojack August 19, 2008 5:28 PM PDT
Well, it works both ways, but I can't have it one way and turn it the other without going into portrait first. It's not important, but I thought I would check after it mentioned cover flow.
by phonetec69 August 19, 2008 3:11 PM PDT
Reception no better after software upgrade. Still very poor
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by laughinggoober August 19, 2008 5:54 PM PDT
The reception has to do with the fact that AT&T is useless.
by xtianchristian August 19, 2008 9:29 PM PDT
Is there someone from CNET that can contact APPLE??? This is really ridiculous!!! What's taking so long?? Is APPLE turning into Microsoft??>>>releasing products that haven't been tested!!! I would think that the 3G signal would be an easy fix and Apple has had some time to play around with the phone before releasing it.. I just don't get it!
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by msolominow August 27, 2008 7:14 AM PDT
I?ve noticed that the battery life on my first-generation iPhone has improved significantly with the 2.0.2 update. I was pretty unhappy with the decline in battery life I had experienced when first updating to 2.0?even with push email turned off the battery was draining almost 50% in just 24 hours, with fairly light usage.
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