An undisclosed number of users who have posted on Apple’s discussion boards about poor battery life following the iPhone 3.1 software update are being contacted by AppleCare helpdesk with a hefty list of 11 follow-up questions. These questions focus primarily on the usual battery culprits, email (especially push), WiFi and Bluetooth, and App Store apps. Number 10, asking “When you notice a power drop, does it seem to be a legitimate power drop, or rather an issue with the battery icon indicator?”, is certainly interesting.

The note also contains an attachment which, when double-clicked, installs what looks like an unsigned profile, similar to what is provided (in signed form) by developers using Ad Hoc provisioning for beta testing. (We’re guessing there’s a reason for it not to be signed, but — note to Apple — signing would make us feel so much warmer and fuzzier about it). This profile enables Battery Life Logging on the iPhone.

Once enabled, the iPhone will sync power logs back via iTunes, and they ask that those logs be sent back to Apple. (Due to the size of the logs, they recommend users not go for a few days without syncing, and provide instructions on turning off Battery Life Logging once the information has been accumulated.

AppleCare as contacted Apple discussion board users in the past surrounding other issues, like the iPhone 3G ringer following 3.0, so hopefully this means Apple is continuing to look into all major issues surrounding iPhone 3.1, especially the random lock ups and shut downs (dubbed “coma”).

According to our recent iPhone 3.1 battery life poll, 24% of you are experiencing worse battery life under iPhone 3.1, with 61% reporting roughly the same battery life, and 11% reporting much better battery life. If you’re one of the 24 percent’ers, let us know if you get contacted by Apple and make it any progress towards resolving the problem (for some tips from TiPb, see our previous How To: Trouble Shoot Battery Life post).

[Thanks to G. for the tip!]

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Apple Seeking More Info From iPhone 3.1 Users Reporting Poor Battery Life

The past 2 weeks have been pretty exciting in terms of iPhone news/rumors and to be honest, even I have neglected our forums. So today it’s time I get back to my roots. Lets begin!

The first thread today has to do with the iPhone 3.0 OS. Apple has given us all the features that most of us have asked for but what features did they leave out that you would have loved to see included?

This next thread, started by John T, is one that everyone should chime in on. John feels that in order to stay competitive Apple needs to re-design the iPhone and give its exterior a nice fresh overhaul. So what do you think, does Apple need to make significant exterior hardware changes? If so, what direction would you like them to go?

This thread was started by a Crackberry forum regular, CrunchDude. It’s a pretty straight forward, how good is AppleCare and is it worth it? Be sure to drop by the thread and let him know some of your experiences with AppleCare. Good or bad.

Last but not least, we have another TiPb Give Away. The premise this time is simple, tell us the most embarrassing song in your music collection for your chance to win one of three promo codes for XBMC Streamer! For more details about XBMC Streamer be sure to hit this link!

So there you have it, a few good threads worth checking out. Now in order to join in on the conversation, be sure to register. You won’t regret it!

See you on the forums!

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

From the Forums: iPhone 3.0 OS Features Left Out?, iPhone Re-Design, AppleCare, Give Away: XBMC Streamer

Well the holidays are over and the forum activity is stronger than ever, so why not let all of our readers know what the hot threads at the moment are…

Chris all of a sudden has a better 3G signal on his iPhone 3G… how about you? Seems as if AT&T is quietly beefing up their network… even with a couple outages as of late.

Next up we have spidermanroach wants to know Applecare or no Applecare? What do you think? Is it worth it? Personally I feel it depends on your needs and how long you will be keeping the device. Don’t be shy, chime in and let us know what you think.

This thread is a old one, but more and more people are always asking how do I create my own ringtones for free??? So for anyone who wants the answer to that question be sure to check out the following thread: Make my own ringtones? It’s simple and to the point, enjoy!

Lastly, don’t forget about your chance to win one of three, custom built TiPb Element Cases! And if you have no idea of what we are talking about, be sure to check out our full review. Don’t miss your chance to win and good luck!

To get in on all of the forum action, you must be registered. It’s free and very simple to do. Get started here!

See you on the forums!

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Today on the Forums: Stronger 3G Service? AppleCare, Ringtones, Win an Element Custom Case

What’s with Apple and fire this month? First Cupertino, now the first generation iPod Nano? (Not to mention MobileMe’s early crashes and burns…). And this one is scary enough that I admit it had me staring at my own uber-battery packing iPhone just a tad more nervously than usual. The good news is, however, according to CNet AppleCare is all up in fixing the problem:

Apple has determined that in very rare cases batteries in first generation iPod nanos sold between September 2005 and December 2006 can overheat causing failure and deformation of the iPod nano. Apple has received very few reports of such incidents (less than 0.001 percent of first generation iPod nano units), which have been traced back to a single battery supplier. There have been no reports of serious injuries or property damage, and no reports of incidents for any other iPod nano model. Any first generation iPod nano customers who have experienced their battery overheating should contact AppleCare for a replacement. Any other customers who have concerns about their first generation iPod nano battery should also contact AppleCare.

As always, keep a close eye on your gadgets, especially as they get older. Look for frayed or damaged cables, discolored or distorted casing, and strange sounds or odors. And when in doubt, stop using it and take it to be checked. Better to waste your time than endanger your health or home.

(Mac users may also want to check their Mag Safe power adapters, which are currently experiencing similar issues).

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Got iPod Nano Fire? Apple Wants to Know!