Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2010/07/07/iphone_ear/
Apple reckons light shines between iPhone customers' ears
Q-tip use will cut off calls
Posted in Personal Tech, 7th July 2010 11:01 GMT
Apple has reportedly advised iPhone 4 customers to leave off the q-tips and matches if they want to prevent the device's proximity sensor nixing their phone calls.
The shocking auricular hygiene advice was apparently given to the Unofficial Apple Weblog's Aron Trimble. He had gone to his local genius bar, after noting the screen illuminate when placed close to his ear, before cutting off the call.
As Trimble reports, "His name will remain redacted but I swear he stifled a laugh when he told me the cause of the problem. Apparently, the re-location of the proximity sensor in iPhone 4 causes the sensor to be more likely to be triggered by light 'bouncing around the ear canal'."
Trimble adds: "My appointed Genius explained that I should try closing the windows because extra ambient light bouncing around my ear will cause the sensor to light up the screen. He said that's all there was to it and sent me on my way."
The detailed if far-fetched explanation didn't sit well with Trimble, who said that if the problem occurs again he'd return and demand a smarter genius.
On the other hand, the answer may simply reflect exactly what Apple believes is between its customers' ears. ®