According to a report from AppleInsider, Apple is contacting developers through the iTunes Connect program, requesting that they localize their applications. This means that developers will update their apps with multiple languages and will also market applications and books as localized. By localizing apps, developers will be able to reach a number of different regions, because all text, titles and descriptions will be molded to each area.

In the letter to iTunes Connect members, Apple noted that the App Store and Mac App Store are available in 155 countries with support for 40 languages, saying that “it has never been more important to localize your app and marketing material.

Alongside the request to developers to localize their applications, Apple also released a Chinese Support Communities forum, which allows users to provide support to other Apple users through their native tongues. This would allow for customers to feel comfortable using the product, especially if they are receiving assistance that is tailored to their needs. Until the release of this forum, most Chinese users and users from other countries around the world would have to refer to the English forums for help.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has noted in the past that China is a major growth opportunity for Apple and the company has posted an increase of over 67 percent in revenue in the country. Recently, Apple has been dealing with customer complaints about the company’s warranty policies, prompting their Senior VP of Operations Jeff Williams to go to deal with the public relations issues. Apple is consistently trying to increase support for its Chinese users as the company realizes that the region is a key part of their revenue models.

{Via MacRumors}

Last month, Apple introduced a replacement program for 1st generation iPod Nano models sold between a certain time period in 2005. Apple shipped customers a box, which would allow the customer to return the defective device to Apple, and would receive a brand new 1st generation device. However, in recent reports from numerous sources, customers who were receiving the serial
numbers for their new devices discovered on Apple’s warranty website that it was registered under a newer sixth generation device.

Today, a number customers reported that they actually recieved a newer 6th generation iPod nano after shipping out the older models a few weeks ago.

Just received our replacement today – Fedex truck pulled up late in the evening. Inside was our replacement for our 1st gen ipod nano that was sent into Apple 1 month ago.

It’s a 6th generation ipod nano, serial number shows that warranty has expired. Not sure if that means that it’s a refurbished model or if it’s a brand new model and they’ve deactivated the warranty. It’s silver.

Apple launched the iPod nano in 2 GB and 4 GB capacities priced at $199/$249 back in September 2005, adding a $149 1 GB model a few months later. The current 6th gen device now sports a 1.5 inch touchscreen, running a stripped down version of iOS, and is available in 8 GB ($129) and 16 GB ($149). Users who recieved 1st gen models as replacements will not be able to exchange. However, any users who have not yet recieved a replacement unit will liekly recieve the newer 6th gen device.

Apple stopped manufacturing the 1st generation devices and most likely ran out of replacement units, and will now be sending out the newer iPod Nano’s with one year warranty instead of the proposed 90 day warranty on 1st generation replacements.

BGR is now reporting that one of their “Apple connects” has sent them detailed guidelines which will be followed by Apple Care representatives when addressing the iPhone 4 antenna issues:

Keep all of the positioning statements in the BN handy – your tone when delivering this information is important.

a. The iPhone 4’s wireless performance is the best we have ever shipped. Our testing shows that iPhone 4’s overall antenna performance is better than iPhone 3GS.

b. Gripping almost any mobile phone in certain places will reduce its reception. This is true of the iPhone 4, the iPhone 3GS, and many other phones we have tested. It is a fact of life in the wireless world.

c. If you are experiencing this on your iPhone 3GS, avoid covering the bottom-right side with your hand.

d. If you are experiencing this on your iPhone 4, avoid covering the black strip in the lower-left corner of the metal band.

e. The use of a case or Bumper that is made out of rubber or plastic may improve wireless performance by keeping your hand from directly covering these areas.

Do not perform warranty service. Use the positioning above for any customer questions or concerns.

Don’t forget YOU STILL NEED to probe and troubleshoot. If a customer calls about their reception while the phone is sitting on a table (not being held) it is not the metal band.

ONLY escalate if the issue exists when the phone is not held AND you cannot resolve it.

We ARE NOT appeasing customers with free bumpers – DON’T promise a free bumper to customers.

These guidelines clearly suggest that Apple doesn’t accept the fact that any problem with the design of iPhone 4 exists and will certainly not offer any free iPhone bumpers.

We recently reported on rumors which suggested that Apple could be working on iOS 4.0.1 software update to fix these issues. It will be interesting to see if Apple will actually address this issue via software update.

[BGR] ]]> https://touchreviews.net/apple-internal-iphone-4-antenna-troubleshooting-guidelines-leaked/feed/ 3