iPad 2 3G antenna causing problems with mic clarity

Apple apparently moved the iPad 2's microphone to the top center of the device, and that's causing problems in performance across the Wi-Fi and 3G models, says iLounge. The 3G model's mic is set in a different material than the Wi-Fi version (because of the extra antenna), and that means that the Wi-Fi version sounds "markedly cleaner" than the other versions, with the CDMA model sounding the most "slightly muffled and echo-prone." The problem is reportedly exacerbated when the mic is facing away from its target, like when you're using the iPad for FaceTime.

I doubt this is a deal-breaker for most users, but it is probably something we'll see fixed in the next version of the iPad. It's interesting that this either never came up during Apple's testing, or it did and the company simply decided that it was good enough to let slip by.

Meanwhile, if you need a nice clear microphone for your 3G iPad to use, there are other third-party solutions to check out as well.

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Source: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/ipad-2-wi-fi-…

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Apple apparently moved the iPad 2's microphone to the top center of the device, and that's causing problems in performance across the...

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Mike

In response to Allen's remark , it's because they dont know what the other is doing because apple doesn't allow the software engineers to see the hardware and the hardware engineers work with similar but not the actual software , so I can see how the hardware may not run correctly when running certain apples like FaceTime and what not

March 22 2011 at 11:22 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Allen

Is Apple hiring morons as engineers...? I refused to by an iPhone 4 because of the antenna issue ( a huge brain fart that Apple tried to lie out of...) and now the ipad2... It is like the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing on some of this stuff that should be caught in testing...!

March 17 2011 at 9:05 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

synthbreak

"I doubt this is a dealbreaker for most users..."

Yeah, and eff the users for whom it is. Hail Apple!

March 17 2011 at 7:04 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Paulie

I hope one comment you've (*TUAW NONE THE LESS*!) stated isn't the case:

"it's interesting that this either never came up during Apple's testing, or it did and they simply decided that it was good enough to let slip by."

With the Steve Jobs issue, I truely hope that Apple will continue to DEMAND everything be PERFECT! :D That's why I've been signing checks (figuratively) to them for so long.

Also, just to read today that my brand spanking new MBP *may* have Home Sharing issues. Will check and comment over there when my wife gets home from University.

YES, these products are still shiny and beautiful... I just REALLY hope we don't lose the 'magic'...

Do the right thing, Apple- FIX these things before they are unfixable (i.e. MILLIONS & MILLIONS of sold units)... and u just have to 'antennagate' us.

JUST my opinion - I am an Apple FANBOY. Keep me. Without Jobs. MAGIC-Make it real. :D

March 17 2011 at 6:17 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

tlarkin79

You're talking to it wrong.

March 17 2011 at 6:15 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

LGgeek

Great way to keep churning your products and making money, don't QA anything then just say it will be fixed in the next version ( after you deny there's a problem of course).

Apple designs fantastic products and software but their QA is grade school level.

March 17 2011 at 5:38 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Norm

It is disappointing.
Is this something we'll have to wait for iPad 3 to resolve, or is it possible that it could be resolved in the next manufacturing run?

March 17 2011 at 5:18 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

samw40

Antennas really aren't Apple's thing...

March 17 2011 at 5:18 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply