March 29, 2024
Apple Revokes PR Accreditation of Computer Magazine Bild for Posting Bendgate Video

Apple Revokes PR Accreditation of Computer Magazine Bild for Posting Bendgate Video

Posted September 30, 2014 at 5:31pm by iClarified
Apple has revoked the PR accreditation of Europe's best selling computer magazine, Computer Bild, for posting a video of one its reporters trying to bend an iPhone 6 Plus.

Instead of answering the questions about why the iPhone 6 Plus is so sensitive, a manager called COMPUTER BILD and told us, that COMPUTER BILD will not get any testing devices and no invites to official events any more.

COMPUTER BILD editor in chief Axel Telzerow appealed to Tim Cook via the following open letter:


-----
Dear Mr. Tim Cook!

Just like anyone else who is obsessed with digital technology we have eagerly awaited the new iPhone. We felt relief when the head of our telecom department one day shouted “Here we go!”, presenting an invitation to the great event. And certainly we took a flight, went all the way to California, just to tell our readers every detail about the device that you and your company have worked on so hard for such a long time.

When the iPhone 6 Plus finally hit the market we noticed a few reports on a possible problem. According to them the case seemed to be weak, “bendable”, to drop the evil word. Being popular for our tests with utmost scrutiny, we could not leave the subject without comment. Of course that required further tests since testing new products without any prejudice is our obligation to our readers.
And so we bought an iPhone 6 Plus, just to find out whether it was a singular problem or some kind of hoax. The test was quite simple, so we could easily record it on video. Just to prove that what happens is nothing but the truth.

To be honest: We were shocked about how easy it was to bend the device. And so were around 200.000 viewers who watched the video up until now. We can imagine that you and your colleagues must have been shocked, too. This might have been the reason why we got a call from one of your german colleagues the next morning. He was upset, and it was a rather short conversation. “From now on”, he said, “you won’t get any devices for testing purposes and you will not be invited to Apple events in the future.”


Dear Mr. Cook: Is this really how your company wants to deal with media that provide your customers with profound tests of your products? Do you really think that a withdrawal of Apple’s love and affection could have an intimidating effect on us? Luckily we do not have to rely on devices that Apple provides us with. Luckily, a lot of readers are willing to pay money for our magazine to keep us independent. So we are able to buy devices to do our tests anyway. Even devices of manufacturers that seem to fear COMPUTER BILD’s independent judgement.

Even if we are quite dismayed about Apple’s reaction, we won’t give up our principles: We will continue our incorruptible tests that have the same high reputation in the german media-landscape as Apple has for its products. So far. We congratulate you to your fine new generation of iPhones, even if one of them has a minor weakness with its casing. But we are deeply disappointed about the lack of respect of your company.

Best regards,

Axel Telzerow
Editor in Chief COMPUTER BILD-Group
-----

COMPUTER BILD not only published this open letter, but also mailed it directly to Tim Cook and to the European Apple headquarters. There has been no response as of yet.

Please follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, or RSS for updates.

Read More [via 9to5Mac]


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Comments (19)
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Nuck Chorris
Nuck Chorris - October 3, 2014 at 6:39am
How applelike for Apple to ban a reviewer for posting an honest review. Apparently they only want to be associated with those that ONLY provide good reviews.
BobbySorloss
BobbySorloss - October 1, 2014 at 4:26pm
I agree with mister Miller. Technology is giving in our times a lot to enjoy, but it doesn't is perfect and has logically limitations. He is right pointing it out like others have. Forcefully bending a phone, whatever the make is, specially the way it is done in most, if not on all of the "techno geeks" "pro" videos is, in my oppinion, sad if not dumb (specially one guy who thinks that boiling phones is going to proof something .... Come on !!!).
What142
What142 - October 1, 2014 at 10:53am
This all started because it bent in someone's POCKET! Where are those tests???? Apple removing them from testing......enough said!
gamerscul9870
gamerscul9870 - October 1, 2014 at 11:04am
No, this actually began because it bent in someone's hands. No one said they claimed the truth it bends in aocket. Where are your checks??? You defending yourself from letting it happen. Hands down.
bormo
bormo - October 1, 2014 at 10:00am
I'm very fine with Android now. After Steve Jobs died, the company changes to a idiot-farm. Sorry. No more iPhone for me.
Steve
Steve - September 30, 2014 at 10:21pm
Besides, all of the tests done by hand at not scientific. Force, direction, position all make a difference.
Steve
Steve - September 30, 2014 at 10:19pm
Did anyone noticed that the iPhone and samsung wee bent in opposition directions? One pulling on the back of the case, the other in the front.
Colomusic787
Colomusic787 - September 30, 2014 at 10:13pm
This video is bull s!&t watch the force he used to bend the iphone and in the samsung he even didnt push with the fingers on the back like he did with the iphone !
iHA69
iHA69 - September 30, 2014 at 7:43pm
WHY WOULD YOU PURPOSLEY BEND A PHONE
Jafar Nazir
Jafar Nazir - September 30, 2014 at 8:00pm
God knows why people are applying so much force to bend a phone, I can bend any phone, I could snap a Samsung S5 in half
gamerscul9870
gamerscul9870 - September 30, 2014 at 8:05pm
In order to tests the weight of things you put on it or how true this viral claim has been going on about.
Segamega
Segamega - September 30, 2014 at 6:51pm
If you pretend to be independent and incorruptible just take not only two but three or more phones from different manufacturers and test them all thoroughly. Otherwise it looks like a very corruptible and paid (guess by who:)) test. If I were Tim Cook I would revoke the accreditation too.
Michael
Michael - September 30, 2014 at 6:47pm
Am I using my iPhone wrong I'm suppose to willingly bend and destroy my iPhone. How is bending a iPhone part of daily use even if it's from a pocket test which is not the test people including this magazine did it's still stupid to put a iPhone 6 plus in skinny jeans. I'm sure you can bend a iPad mini or any other tablet and break if tried. Seems like apple made a well designed Phablet and all people can do is look I can bend it with my own hands yea you can bend a lot of things if you try that does not mean the product is faulty.
Kathy
Kathy - September 30, 2014 at 6:40pm
I am looking at the lumia 1520
Ron N.
Ron N. - September 30, 2014 at 5:56pm
Okay, so a super thin, large square area phone made out of ALUMINUM can be bent with the appropriate amount of pressure. #1-don't bend it. Maybe get a case. Or a warranty. Or better yet--all three. #2-using this 1st generation build, improve on it. Maybe use magnesium or titanium bracing inside on the next build (remember the Ti PowerBooks?). #3-Remember the iPhone 4? Antenna-Gate? How easily the super cool anodized bezel was marred (same with the 5)? It's a pocket-sized computer that also makes phone calls. Treat it like you treat a computer. Speaking of which, I am sure I can bend the screen of my 11" MacBook Air with my bare hands. Not going to though. If you are someone who puts their phone in their back pocket, or generally forget about it until they want it--consider getting the 6 instead; or a used 5S (cheaper, solid and smaller).
iLost
iLost - September 30, 2014 at 5:48pm
"From now on”, he said, “you won’t get any devices for testing purposes and you will not be invited to Apple events in the future.”.... Hahhaaahahahahaha. One of the most stupidest and funniest comment ever heard. What should we call this ? iAnger ? lol.
1
Patrikcze_cze
Patrikcze_cze - September 30, 2014 at 5:41pm
Why are here people complaining just about everything!? Is this android page!?
J. Miller
J. Miller - September 30, 2014 at 5:39pm
As a big fan of technology and a strong supporter of apple, Samsung and Sony, I am extremely disappointed in apple's poor handling of this situation. I truly hope this is resolved.
gamerscul9870
gamerscul9870 - September 30, 2014 at 5:54pm
I'm disappointed in you because you don't care how much solved this was.
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