In the past week, reports have accumulated about technical difficulties and poor customer service at several renowned companies. The experiences range from software errors at Apple to defective devices at McDonald’s and confusing payment processes at Vodafone.
Apple: Software Errors Impair User Experience
Apple users faced various challenges:
•Notes App: It was not possible to insert photos into table cells. Additionally, synchronization issues occurred where the cursor jumped uncontrollably or content was lost. Another bug caused the cursor to jump into the middle of words.
•iMessage: Repeated displays of “New contact photo available” caused confusion. Deleted messages were not consistently synchronized across all devices.
•SharePlay and Apple Music: Session interruptions and unexpected error messages disrupted the shared music experience.
•FaceTime Video: Interruptions and missing video transmission impaired communication between users.
•AirDrop: Problems were reported with data exchange between different macOS accounts.
•Photos App: Crashes at startup made it difficult to access pictures.
•HomePod mini: Difficulties were found in configuration and setting up the stereo function on Mac. The control center could not be adjusted as desired.
McDonald’s: Defective Machines and Unfriendly Service
In McDonald’s locations, several incidents occurred:
•Ansbach: The ice cream and milkshake machine was defective. Additionally, communication problems with an employee were reported, who was unable to fulfill customer requests and reacted unprofessionally.
•Böblingen: An ordered strawberry milkshake was delivered incorrectly. The complaint required a return trip to the restaurant, and only upon request was a small compensation offered.
Vodafone: Unclear Error Messages During Payments
Customers attempting to top up credit via the MyVodafone app received error messages despite successful payment confirmation through the S-ID app. The debit was only confirmed later via SMS, causing uncertainty.
Deutsche Bahn: Limited Service in the DB Lounge
At the DB Lounge in Frankfurt Central Station, travelers faced the following limitations:
•Defective Elevator: Access to the lounge was hindered.
•Staff Shortage: No hot meals or drinks were offered due to sudden personnel shortages.
•Train Cancellation: The stop of an ICE train to Stuttgart at the central station was canceled.
AVM Fritz!Fon: Interferences During Calls with Hearing Aids
Users of the AVM Fritz!Fon experienced interferences during calls, especially when the other party used hearing aids. These disturbances were reported to the manufacturer in hopes of finding a solution.
Meta Horizon App: Problems with Notifications
In the iOS version of the Meta Horizon App, users could not directly access new messages via notifications. Instead, error messages appeared, requiring a manual detour through the home screen.
FreeNow: Long Waiting Times for Taxi Bookings
A user reported that no driver was found within five minutes via the FreeNow app. This necessitated a call to the taxi hotline and raises questions about the app’s efficiency.
Further Observations
•Apple Siri: Difficulties with speech recognition of top-level domains like “.computer” and addressing contacts with similar names.
•Apple Pages: Crashes of the application occurred while writing.
•Red Hat Server: Error messages during reboot due to health-check processes.
Conclusion
The multitude of technical problems and service obstacles this week shows that even established companies are confronted with challenges in product quality and customer service. For consumers, this means frustration and additional effort. It is hoped that the affected companies take this feedback seriously and implement appropriate improvements.
