It’s Got The Touch

First and foremost, the new version has a “multitouch” screen. Actually, it’s only capable of discerning two finger gestures (and only for rotating the screen). The introduction of a touchscreen on such a small device is certainly one way to reduce the need for physical controls (ironic that this was introduced immediately after the new iPod shuffle regained its tactile buttons).

The touchscreen also adds a “wow” factor for those who wish they owned an iPod touch or an iPhone. The icons even jiggle when you move them around! But don’t let that fool you. The iPod nano isn’t running iOS, simply updated software designed to resemble iOS. The result? You’re not going to be using apps with it anytime soon.

Design Details

If you were to take a casual, superficial look at the iPod nano, you might think it’s a bit awkward.

The form factor resembles a larger iPod shuffle and the straight edges at the top and bottom seem a little odd for Apple’s standards. One would think the form factor would resemble a smaller iPhone and be curved at the corners like the plastic boxes in which they ship.

The display itself doesn’t sit flat against the body of the device, likely a result of a decision to make the device as small as possible. In my opinion, the design is a bit contrived. Considering the latest iPod shuffle is just a smaller version of the second-generation model, and this new nano looks like a larger version of it with a multi-touch screen, I wonder what Jonny Ive’s team is actually doing.

Technical Specs

When you think about iPod nanos, you might think about how they could play video (2007 and on) or how they had a built-in camera and record video (2009). You might even think about increasingly bigger and better displays. Sure it wasn’t all that great, but you might even think back to when iPod nanos included a speaker (2009). Well, times are changing.

The introduction of a touch screen has driven the component costs of the iPod nano higher than previous models. As a result, Apple trimmed some features that were “not often used” to maintain an amicable price point for consumers, and the company’s profit margin.

Were these features infrequently used? It is true if you own an iPhone, you already have a camera at your disposal. But a nano was an inexpensive and convenient alternative for those who didn’t. And while few might have actually watched video on the tiny screen, you could still plug it into a TV.

The real point I’m trying to make is that while Apple seems intent on pushing the iTunes Store and all it offers, its latest device plays a lot less of that content than the previous generation. That doesn’t seem terribly innovative to me.

Granted, the nano has a specific audience. But for me, it’s not a simple matter of “well if you want those features, go buy an iPod touch or an iPhone.” Instead, it’s about Apple allowing form to trump function. There’s another glaring example I can cite from recent memory.

Have you had a chance to check out the new iPod nano? What do you think? Will you upgrade or sell your previous generation for an ungodly amount on eBay? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Related content from GigaOM Pro (sub req’d):
How to Market Your iPhone App: A Developer’s Guide

The Current Marketplace

Consider how you currently watch TV, which could be through broadcast or cable television. If you watch cable, you pay a fee to a provider (like AT&T), which allows you to see certain channels based on your subscription (though that model doesn’t seem to be panning out so well anymore). The providers pay a portion of your subscription fees directly to the networks (an average of about 26 cents per channel). Networks make additional money with the ads they run on their channels as well. If a network doesn’t show ads, you can expect they charge the cable provider substantially more than 26 cents per channel, and the opposite is true if they show an average amount of ads. This is all relative and pretty much a standard business model.

How Apple Could Shake Things Up

With the introduction of the App Store, we’re starting to see how some industries are shaking up the status quo. For instance, consider the magazine industry. Wired now provides its app directly to consumers, and can sell a digital version of its magazine at a comparable price (per issue) to the newsstand price. Yet, without having to incur the printing costs behind it, and even while giving Apple 30 percent of the revenue, Wired pockets a lucrative profit.

Can the same model work for the television industry? Network providers already provide their content through iTunes, and, through negotiation, have arranged to sell content at $2-$3 per episode. Rumors of 99-cent TV shows have been rampant but unfulfilled, simply because of the tough negotiations required to make it happen. Could the solution be to simply bring an App Store directly to the TV? If so, similar to the Hulu or Netflix app, a network provider like HGTV  could provide its own app for free and charge within for in-app content, like episodes of a show. If it wanted to provide streaming content of the past few episodes for free, it could do so. As long as it approves of the 70/30 profit split with Apple, it would maintain a lot more control over its content and pricing. The networks would be happy, and Apple would be happy. Networks could still run ads as they wished and earn even more profit.

Who would stand to lose from this? At the outset, nobody, but if such a solution were to become mainstream, then cable providers could begin to see a dip in subscriptions. Why would most consumers pay a monthly fee of $30 to over $100 if they only want to watch a certain show or a certain network? Instead of paying for needless extra content that consumers never watch (based on their own viewing habits), they can pay for content that matters to them. The providers are aware of this, which is why many of them also provide internet service (think about Verizon, Comcast (c cmcsa) and AT&T).

I think an App Store on the TV could really revolutionize how we watch and engage with content.

What are your thoughts? A new Apple TV could revolutionize the television experience. Do you think it will take off? I’d love to hear what you think, so please share your comments!

Related GigaOM Pro Research: 3 Things Apple iTV Must Do to Succeed

Speech Recognition

The Mac OS has had speech recognition built-in since the days of OS 9 and to be truthful, it’s never worked that great. But Apple has continued to make progress in this area with Voice Control on the iOS devices and its recent purchase of Siri. Could future Macs feature more natural and effective speech recognition?

Resolution Independence

OS X features limited support for resolution independence, but the operating system as a whole still doesn’t support this feature. If Mac displays will one day adopt densely packed pixels like the iPhone 4’s Retina Display, the operating system will need to support resolution independence.

A New File System

Snow Leopard was rumored to originally include support for the ZFS file system, but due to licensing issues with Sun (developer of the file system), it didn’t make an appearance. Apple’s current implementation, HFS Plus, has been around since 1998 (the good ole days of OS 8.1). While it’s seen some improvements since then, an overhaul in this area could provide some major performance benefits to platform as well as better compatibility with other platforms.

Home Folder in the Cloud

With iDisk supporting a “home folder” like structure (Documents, Movies and Music folders to name a few) and local syncing, it can serve as a home folder in the cloud for most purposes. Without Terminal witchcraft, users are still left with a home folder on their iDisk and a home folder in their Users folder with no easy way to reconcile the two. Apple has always made a push for “a great experience” and what could be better than your whole home folder in the cloud, accessible from any Internet-enabled Mac? It’s almost like NetBoot on steroids but it would take a bit of foundational work first, for example, optimizing the file system. Could this be an extended use of the rumored North Carolina data center?

Front Row Take 2

Whatever Apple’s future plans for the Apple TV may be, Front Row on the Mac needs a substantial update. Built-in integration for Netflix, Hulu Desktop, renting and buying content and better methods to sort and organize content could really propel this feature back into prime time. Apple would love to sell more iOS devices, but it also realizes that many of its users love the better performance dedicated media center Macs provide.

These are just a few ideas of some things Apple could introduce in 10.7. What do you think could be around the corner? What would you like to see? What do you think Apple will codename it? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Related GigaOM Pro Research: Report: Delivering Content in the Cloud

Apple Keyboard with Dock

$69, Apple Store

Touch screens are great, but extended periods of typing on them can be problematic. The Apple Keyboard and Dock is a great solution to help display your iPad while you type notes. If you have a different stand preference, you can buy the Apple Wireless Keyboard separately (for the same price) and use it with your iPad or any other Bluetooth-enabled Mac.

Camera Connection Kit

$29, Apple Store

These two adapters will allow you to plug your SD card or USB camera directly into your iPad and download the contents without needing to sync to your computer. If your camera shoots video, those will get downloaded too.

iWork

$9.99 per app, iTunes

If you’ve used iWork on the Mac, the iPad version is a great supplement. Though there are some caveats, you can create your work in the Mac version (or right on the iPad) and take it on the go. The iWork suite includes Keynote (presentations), Pages (word processing) and Numbers (spreadsheets).

Dock to VGA Connector

$19, Apple Store

If you are building your presentations in Keynote, show them off in style by connecting your iPad to a projector with the Dock to VGA Connector cable. When you connect with this cable, your iPad acts as a “presenter view” for Keynote and tapping and holding on your iPad will simulate the effect of a laser pointer. Now you won’t blind Bernice when she picks the wrong moment to look towards you and your laser pointer.

Pogo Stylus

$14.95, Ten One Design

Sometimes it’s just better to be able to write or sketch naturally on the iPad. There are a variety of styli available for the iPad. Generally the ones that are a few bucks and come in a pack of three are best avoided. The Pogo is one of the more popular options and you can usually find an Apple Store employee who has one they can demo.

Penultimate

$2.99, iTunes

This is one of the most popular apps for making sketches and taking notes by hand. The app organizes your content into books and supports writing in multiple colors, stroke sizes and a variety of page styles. Plus, built-in sharing options makes it easy to share your work with colleagues and classmates.

SoundPaper

$4.99, iTunes

Similar to Penultimate, this app allows for sketching but also supports typing with the built-in keyboard or an external Bluetooth one. This app goes even further by recording audio which is great if you happen to fall asleep during a lecture.

Mikey

Coming Soon, Blue Microphones

Remember how there’s no real “up” for your iPad? Flip your iPad around and plug in an external mic like this one to add clarity when you record lectures. The iPad has a built-in mic at the top already, but an external one can make a lot of difference.

iStudiez Pro

$2.99, iTunes

This app, mentioned in our iPod/iPhone article, is great for students to keep track of assignments, grades and upcoming deadlines with its support for push notifications.

Dropbox and iDisk

Free, iTunes

Consider an app like Dropbox or iDisk if you have MobileMe as a way to move your files on the go. The latest updates support opening in native apps, so if you keep your Pages docs in your Dropbox, you can open them natively in Pages on your iPad. Dropbox and MobileMe are subscription services, though Dropbox offers a free 2GB account.

Be sure and check out the other articles in this series, including Part 1 where we look at great gifts that benefit all Apple users, Part 2 where we discuss Mac products and Part 3 where we look at accessories for iPod and iPhone users.

If you’ve found other great accessories for the iPad, or have an opinion to share on any of these, let us know in the comments!

Mikey

Originally $79.99 (New Model Coming Soon), Blue Microphones

Even if your iPhone has a built-in mic, a good external mic like this one from Blue will help you record your lectures for later playback. This particular Mikey is coming later this summer, so keep an eye on it as the current model doesn’t work well with the iPhone 4.

External Speaker Dock

$79.95, Apple Store

What better way to listen to those recorded notes or relax with some tunes than through a good pair of speakers? The Philips DS3000 speaker dock is one of many great options. This particular model features the ability to sync with your computer, provides an external line out and can also run off batteries for portable use.

Nike+ Sports Kit

$19.95 – $29.95, Apple Store

When you want to get away from hitting the books and enjoy a nice run, don’t forget your Nike+. With Nike+ you can keep track of your pace, time and distance as you workout. Newer iPods and iPhones have the Nike+ receiver built-in, so you may just need the external sensor for your Nike+ shoes. Older devices are compatible if you get the Nike+ kit that includes a receiver.

iTunes U

Free, iTunes

Your university provides a wealth of content all around your campus, but you can take that experience further and explore the content from universities all over the world in iTunes U. Download lectures and other content from your field of study or use it to explore something totally new, like learning a new language. Best of all, it’s totally free.

Belkin RockStar

$19.95, Apple Store

Studying in the library with your significant other is a little easier with a headphone splitter. A splitter is a great little adapter to carry with your iPod for those instances where you want to share what you’re listening to with someone else. Most headphone splitters support splitting into two signals, but if you want to go to the extreme (or have multiple significant others), the Belkin RockStar supports splitting an audio signal five ways.

Evernote

Free ($4.99/month for Premium), App Store

If you haven’t developed good study skills yet, you’re about to be in for a shock. Use a service like Evernote to keep track of all the information you encounter. Tag it, sort it and pull it up when you need it. With the free iPhone app, you’ll have access on the go. For more on Evernote, check out our article on it.

iStudiez Pro

$2.99, App Store

Taking organization even further, consider an app like iStudiez Pro (for both iPhone and iPad). Throw in your schedule, track assignments and deadlines with push notifications and even keep up with your grades with this useful little app. It’s universal, so the same app will also work well on your iPad.

Dictionary.com

Free, App Store

Expand your vocabulary with the free Dictionary.com app. It has a built-in thesaurus and even offers audio pronunciations of the words. Plus, if you’re just looking up a word, you don’t even need a connection to the net.

Facebook

Free, App Store

We all love our Facebook and the dedicated app is no exception. Recently updated to support the iPhone 4, the native Facebook app is a great way to keep up with all your friends when you’re on the go.

Graphing Calculator

Varies, App Store

Instead of investing upwards of $100 in a bulky graphing calculator, take a look at several of the dedicated iPhone apps that provide graphing calculator functionality. There are a number to choose from, ranging from free to just a few bucks.

This list represents a fraction of a growing number of great apps and accessories for students. If you have any that I’ve missed, feel free to share them with us in the comments. Also, be sure and check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our series and be on the watch for the last part, the Back to School Guide for iPad users coming soon.

Apple LED Cinema Display or LG 23″ Widescreen LED Display

$239 – $799, Apple Store & Best Buy

Since every Mac supports the use of at least two displays (either including the built-in display or as externals), increase your workspace and productivity by adding an extra one onto your Mac. My pick is the beautiful 24” LED LCD display by Apple, but if you’re budget conscious, you can pick up a 23” LG display for under $300 at Best Buy. This display even features an HDMI input, which means it could double as your TV! Just make sure you have the right adapters. Apple’s display connects via DisplayPort but most others will connect via DVI.

MobileMe

$99 ($69 with purchase of a new Mac), Apple Store

Apple has steadily rolled out improvements to their cloud service and for some, it offers a lot of value. As a student, you’ll likely find the most value in the online iDisk storage and web-based access to email, calendars and contacts. Plus if you have an iPhone, you’ll get push service to that as well. If you just bought a Mac recently but didn’t get MobileMe, swing by a retail store with your receipt and you might be able to save $30.

Microsoft Office for Mac

$149.95, Apple Store

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, you’ll be interacting with Word, Excel and PowerPoint a lot in college. The good news is, Microsoft offers an Office package with a price tag specifically designed for students. Sometimes, you can even pick it up cheaper at your on-campus bookstore. If you’re not in a rush though, wait a few months. Office 2011 is just around the corner.

iWork

$79 ($71 with educational discount), Apple Store

If you really want to impress the prof, grab a copy of iWork. With the built-in templates (and a growing collection of third party templates available), you can deliver reports and presentations that look professionally designed. Plus if you have an iPad, with the mobile version of iWork you can sync your work and create, edit, publish and present on the go.

HP Photosmart e-All-in-One

$129.95, Apple Store

While ink cartridges are still a wasted investment, fortunately these days printers are fairly cheap. Now is a great time to pick up a new multi-function printer that can scan, copy and print. You’ll save time and money by not having to use copiers and printers at your campus library! The HP Photosmart e-All-in-One is a great printer for everyday use and printing photos. You can even print to it directly with an SD card or wirelessly from your Mac!

MyBook 2TB External Hard Drive & SanDisk Flash Drives

Varies, Amazon.com

MobileMe gives you cloud storage, but sometimes you just need to move content around quickly or have a good backup of all your data. For the small jobs, you can pick up a 32GB SanDisk for under $65 or invest in a Western Digital MyBook 2TB external drive for under $200. The MyBook is great for Time Machine backups and it connects via FireWire 800 for fast transfer rates.

Magic Mouse

$69, Apple Store

Even if you love using a trackpad, an external mouse can be more comfortable for when you’re using your Mac for extended periods of time. Apple’s Magic Mouse supports multi-touch and connects via Bluetooth. Since Macs have supported Bluetooth for quite a while now, you can use this external mouse and not have to sacrifice a USB port for some unsightly adapter.

Pulse Smart Pen

$149.95 – $169.95, Apple Store

If you take a lot of notes and your professor doesn’t like the idea of a Mac joining you in the classroom, the Pulse Smart Pen is a handy tool. As you write, it records audio of your lectures. Simply tap the portion of your notes to hear playback of the lecture that was given when you were originally writing them. If you’ve used EverNote before, the Pulse uses similar technology by making your handwritten notes searchable when you sync them back to your Mac.

Kensington Locks

$24.95 and up, Kensington.com

Unfortunately, while Macs are very nice, they are also very attractive to those who wish they could have their own. A simple Kensington Lock can help keep your Mac secure, either in your dorm or in the library when you get up to grab some more books. I recommend the combination lock as some of their traditional keyed locks use the same key.

Elgato EyeTV Hybrid

$149.95, Amazon.com

If you don’t have an external display or a dedicated TV, you can still watch TV on your Mac. The EyeTV Hybrid contains a built-in tuner and you can use it to watch, capture and record live TV on your Mac. With the included software, you can even export the files and share them with others or take them on the go with your iPod or iPhone.

I know as a college student, budgets can be tight and so some of these items are great things to add to a holiday wish list, or to share with friends and family who still may be trying to find that perfect graduation gift for you. If that’s the case for you, use the links below to share this article with your family. Also, be on the watch for our guide for iPod/iPhone users and iPad users coming soon. If you have any specific suggestions for products to be included in those, use the comments below and share your ideas with us!

AppleCare

$39 – $349 ($39 – $239 with educational discount), Apple Store

The necessity of this little gem should go without saying. Students get substantial discounts on Apple’s AppleCare protection plan, so its definitely wise to invest now for peace of mind later. AppleCare doesn’t cover accidental damage, but if you’re the type that uses your Apple gear a lot and all that wear and tear can cause some components to wear out, you’ll be covered when you need it most.

Extra Power Adapter

$29 – $79, Apple Store

From studying in the library to working out in the gym to relaxing in front of the TV, as a student you tend to move around a lot. Grab an extra power adapter for your Mac or your iPad and keep one at home and one in your bag. You’ll never end up at one place and realize you left your power adapter somewhere else.

Cases

$29.95 and up, Apple Store

Most everyone agrees that with Apple, form exists with function. See those impressed looks you get when people see you with your Apple gadgets? Keep them in good shape by investing in a good case. I recommend neoprene cases from Incase or perhaps a tough rubberized case from Speck.

BookArc

$39.95 – $49.95, Twelve South

To save some space in your dorm or apartment, consider the BookArc stand by Twelve South. It’ll give your device “a home” and give it some protection at the same time. If you’re using a portable Mac or an iPad, this is a great way to free up space by elevating your device and it includes several adapters for a snug fit.

Bose In-Ear Headphones

$89.95, Apple Store

Sometimes the best time for you to study might not be the best time for others, and vice versa. Give yourself some privacy by investing in a good quality pair of headphones. In-ear headphones, like these by Bose, will give you better sound than traditional earbuds and help to block out external noise.

MiFi Hotspot

$299.99 (but free with contract, monthly fees apply), Sprint

While its pretty easy to find wi-fi access these days, occasionally you’ll find yourself in a location where there’s no internet access. If you don’t have tethering support on your iPhone, grab a MiFi mobile hotspot. It uses the cellular network to obtain a signal and then broadcasts as a wi-fi hotspot, enabling access for your Mac, iPad or any other-wifi enabled device.

Speaker Pillows

$9.99, Target

If you haven’t seen these yet, you’ll be surprised at how many different ones there are to choose from. Just like the name sounds, it’s a pillow that you can plug into your iPod, iPhone, Mac or anything else and fall asleep listening to tunes. Haven’t you always wanted to fall asleep listening to your recorded lectures? Talk about deja vu.

Flip Video UltraHD Camcorder

$199.95, Apple Store

College can be one of the most transformational seasons of your life. If you don’t have an iPhone 4, consider a Flip HD camera as a way to capture some these moments. The UltraHD camera starts at $199 for a model that comes with 4GB of storage. The Flip is staple for on-the-fly filming, so you can’t go wrong with this.

Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS Camera

$179.95, Apple Store

For those who aren’t into video, a traditional digital camera could be right for you. The Canon PowerShot SD1300 packs a whopping 12 megapixels for under $200. Best of all, it works with iPhoto or your iPad with the Camera Connection Kit. Can’t beat the opportunity to buy more Apple stuff to use your existing Apple stuff!

Apple Store & iTunes Gift Cards

Varies, Apple Store

The next time Mom sends a care package, make sure she throws in a few of these. Apple Gift Cards can be used in an Apple Retail Store or online and can be used for buying iTunes gift cards. With iTunes gift cards, you can get music, rent movies or even buy books for your classes if they’re available on the iBookstore.

What other gadgets would setup an Apple lover for college? Share your thoughts in the comments and keep a look out for our Mac, iPhone/iPod and iPad specific buyer’s guides coming soon!

True, I’ve written before about some of the missteps that Apple has taken, but even with its faults, the company never stops and keeps striving to make a difference in the minds of its customers. So what makes an Apple Store so great? It’s all about the experience.

Certainly, one can argue that the reason why people will wait in lines that are hours long for a new telephone is because the telephone must be pretty frackin’ cool. Some of you may have done this before, waiting outside of a Best Buy or Walmart for a chance to get a Nintendo Wii or Playstation 3 when they first launched. But if you did, I bet your experience was nothing like it was at the Apple Store.

First, the stores have Wi-Fi. That one may seem a little cheesy, but when you’re camped outside at 3AM, it’s nice that a company that, despite all its talk of being energy-efficient and going green, still decided to leave its wireless routers active at night so you can watch Hulu while waiting in line.

Second, the stores take care of those who are waiting in line. During both the iPad and iPhone 4 launches, the two stores I visited had partnered with a local Starbucks and California Pizza Kitchen to provide food and drinks to those who had been waiting — at no expense to customers. How many places do you know of that do that?

Third, the experience with the employees is, despite the occasional misstep, phenomenal. Employees are not on commission so there’s no pressure for them to sell you everything and the kitchen sink. They’re in the business of building a relationship. They’ll shake your hand, call you by your name and really take personal pride in being able to help you with the right solution every time. Not only that, but it’s not just about selling you on the products. Apple is one of few companies who really wants you to return to the store and learn more about how to use their products, even if you’re not buying anything else. It’s all about the experience -– with the products, with the people and with the stores.

If you’ve ever had a chance to visit the Ritz Carlton, this type of service will be familiar to you as it originally started with its gold standards. The Ritz Carlton credo is the guiding philosophy of Apple’s own credo.

“The Ritz-Carlton Hotel is a place where the genuine care and comfort of our guests is our highest mission. We pledge to provide the finest personal service and facilities for our guests who will always enjoy a warm, relaxed, yet refined ambience. The Ritz-Carlton experience enlivens the senses, instills well-being, and fulfills even the unexpressed wishes and needs of our guests.”

Even its motto, “We are Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen” speaks volumes to how Apple treats its own customers. Have you ever walked into an Apple Store and not been treated like royalty? (As an aside, I strongly suggest you do not walk into a store and demand to be treated like royalty.)

Apple calls its service “surprise and delight.” It aims to surprise its customers by seeking opportunities to deliver on its customers wishes and needs and then delight them by going above and beyond, if you give them the opportunity.

Again, look at the recent iPhone 4 launch. After waiting in line, I was then taken into the store where I had a chance to play with the iPhone while I waited for the next Specialist who could help me with my purchase. When I’d finished purchasing my phone, it was switched over on AT&T’s network (rendering my old phone inoperable) and another Mac Specialist was there ready to help me plug it into a Mac and finish the activation process.

If you give them a chance, and don’t exploit it, every team member at Apple will not stop until they’ve given you the best experience they can. Unfortunately, however, as the busy consumers we are, we like this attention and tend to expect or even demand it sometimes. There are times when a Genius Bar appointment may not be available until the next day or that hot new iPhone just isn’t in stock. Getting frustrated at this point is understandable, but take a few moments to understand how the team at Apple really wants to help you and be sure to treat them with that same level of respect. Even though the stores are busy, politely asking, “How can we find a way to help me get my Mac working as soon as possible?” is just enough to, if they haven’t offered already, allow them to look at Genius Bar appointments at neighboring stores and go ahead and schedule the appointment for you. Or, if the store traffic permits, check in your Mac for repair and diagnosis at a later time so you don’t have to wait for the appointment.

The moral of my story is this. The Apple Store is a great experience and that’s a big reason why people love to buy Apple products. For many, it does start with their first iPod or iPhone and later they return for their first Mac. So don’t forget the little things that make the experience so great (the attention, the people) and appreciate them because Apple’s formula for success is something you just won’t find at Best Buy or AT&T or really any other retail store for that matter.

There you have it. Yet another reason why many of us Apple users are called “fan boys.” Have you had your own surprise and delight experience at Apple? Tell us about it in the comments.

The architecture of the new iPhone 4 places the antenna structure within the stainless steel band that wraps the new phone. And the problem many users have noted is that applying normal pressure along specific points of the phone causes the signal quality indicator to drop. Seems like just a hardware issue, right? Well before you go old-school and wrap your phone in aluminum foil in a desperate attempt to boost the signal strength, there’s more to the story.

The issue of signal strength has been picked apart across the Internet; some people can reproduce the problem, while others cannot. A few days after these issues first came to light, Steve Jobs said in response to an email:

Gripping any phone will result in some attenuation of its antenna performance, with certain places being worse than others depending on the placement of the antennas. This is a fact of life for every wireless phone. If you ever experience this on your iPhone 4, avoid gripping it in the lower left corner in a way that covers both sides of the black strip in the metal band, or simply use one of many available cases.

It’s an interesting response, but it seems to speak to Apple’s industrial design decisions, since such sensitive hardware is in a region of the phone that’s naturally likely to be handled. Regardless, since Jobs’ comments, there have been daily rumors concerning Apple’s solution to the issue, whether it’s a software update to “fix” the problem or providing customers with an iPhone 4 bumper case that avoids placing pressure on the antenna. Most recently, fabricated emails have come to light suggesting that Jobs told a customer “calm down” and that it’s “not worth it.” While that turned out to be a fake email according to Apple, the company finally released a statement regarding the issue altogether.

According to the statement, the algorithm for calculating the signal strength has just been inaccurate, showing more bars than it should in some cases. In an example provided by Apple, what is displayed on your iPhone could be two bars higher than the actual signal strength. The statement also suggests your real signal strength never changes, so when you see the lower signal strength as a result of placing pressure along one of the antennas, you’re really seeing a more accurate representation of the signal.

Okay, so it’s a software issue. Or is it?

Apple says this problem of inaccurate signal strength has been present in every iPhone since launch. (Thanks, Apple!)

So if it’s an issue of inaccurate signal strength, how does that affect performance? Look at the video that Cameron Hunt posted to Vimeo that shows how Safari simply stops loading when he touches one of these antenna points along the device. If you apply Apple’s logic to his scenario, when you watch the bars begin to drop, his actual signal strength shouldn’t be dropping. Yet it does, because Safari cannot finish downloading the page. Clearly, there’s still some degree of a hardware issue involved.

Apple says a free software update for iPhone 4, iPhone 3G and 3GS users will be available in the next few weeks to address the problem, and will cause your iPhone to display a more accurate signal strength. Additionally, the update will make the first three signal bars “a bit taller” and “easier to see.” Just remember, they’re only taller to make them more visible, not because the signal strength is any better.

For the technically minded out there, it’s been mentioned that the field test mode in iPhone 4 has disappeared. That’s too bad, as it would have been a great way to see what’s really happening to the signal strength. Does anybody know how to access it on the new iPhone 4?

Do you really believe Apple’s response that the issue is software-related and the reality is that the network reception is actually much lower than what your iPhone displays? Is there really anything wrong? Or is nothing wrong? Or is there something wrong but the problem is just normal of cell phones and it’s just time for us Apple users to drink the Kool-Aid again? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Regardless of how you feel towards AT&T’s quality of service in the U.S., the company is good for at least one thing and that’s offering some lucrative discounts. Why not save some money if you can?

It’s called AT&T Premier and it’s a service that AT&T offers to select business partners and in return, those affiliated with the partners can reap nice discounts on AT&T hardware (iPhone 4 excluded) and discounts on the monthly rate plan and data plan.

So who qualifies for AT&T Premier? AT&T offers a tool on its website to check your eligibility. Simply enter in your work email address and go. The best part is, when you get the discount, it doesn’t extend your contract. And if you ever leave the company, the discount will still apply until you tell AT&T otherwise.

But wait — didn’t you get the vibe I was aiming this at college students? Most universities also qualify for AT&T Premier discounts just for being an enrolled student at a college or university in the U.S. So before you graduate, see if you qualify for a discount!

Are you an AT&T Premier customer? How much money have you saved? For me, it was about 15 percent off my rate plan and a pretty darn good deal on another non-iPhone for another member of my family. Check it out and let us know what you think.