I do believe I called this, and posted on to the article detailing the metal band would be used as an antenna. From an RF perspective, this is the worst possible design given that you WILL be touching it. Nevermind the fact you'll be bridging two antennas together. Now lets look at what side the gap is on: THE LEFT. If they had put it on the right (when looking at it from the front) MOST people who are right handed would end up with their thumb at the top and not bridge the two. The idea is not without merit however, as looking at the idea of: make a better antenna -- Alone, without considering any other factors, this is going to make for better reception if the device is sitting on the table. Infact it'll probably beat most other cell phones with their miserable internal antennas. However, the fact you ARE going to come in contact with the antenna directly more than mitigates its benefit. Using a case may stop the issue, but I'd frankly recommend a thin layer of silicone or clear tape be placed over "The bridge" to stop the issue for those not using a protective case. And now to the last point: Who owns an iPhone they intend to keep for more than a year and DOESNT use a case?