11 simple reasons why I gave Android another chance and dumped my iPhone.

[jrswizzle]

Again, "copying" doesn't have to mean from the original source.

cop·y
ˈkäpē/Submit
noun

1.
a thing made to be similar or identical to another.

verb
1.
make a similar or identical version of; reproduce.

2.
imitate the style or behaviour of.


So, yes, Apple is copying Google as Google is copying Apple, regardless of who was the originator. And thankfully so.

Ok, so basically the statement has no meaning because "Apple is copying Google" who copied developer A who copied....and so on.

So why even bother bringing it up? And we're back to my original point in all of this - focus on implementation rather than who copied who or the end feature, and we can have a great discussion.

 

[sentinelsx]

Here is another simple reason -

Superior notification system

If you check my other thread about fav apps, you would know I have a new fav app called DynamicNotifications.

Moto X's Active Display showed us the right way on how notifications done right. Its imitations and alternatives can do it better. Makes iOS7 look old after less than year with its major refresh. I have no envy with Moto X's owners anymore. Download DynamicNotifications and it could be another simple reason you may dump your iPhone. Android's notifications becomes better.

Funny, i have bought pro versions of dynamic notifications, nils (with its floating panel as well), acdisplay, lockerpro, and slidelock and i prefer the latter two (very "iPhone-esque") compared to the former three. I was head over heels in love with active display when it came out but after actually using it i find it meh.

I still find simple notification listing on lockscreen to be far more efficient for my use. Plus i like to see "notification 1, notification 2,....so on" than "2 new notifications". I am better off with a flashing LED than seeing how many notifications i have aggregated in the latter case.

 

[SpoonCody]

Ok, so basically the statement has no meaning because "Apple is copying Google" who copied developer A who copied....and so on.

So why even bother bringing it up? And we're back to my original point in all of this - focus on implementation rather than who copied who or the end feature, and we can have a great discussion.

Ask Apple's legion of fans. Again, are you out there making this same argument for Samsung or any non-Apple OEMs?

I can also ask, why does it bother you so much when people say Apple is copying? They are. As are others. It goes both ways. The problem is, there are many who thinks it goes only one way. Are you out there defending both directions with as much dedication as you do for Apple? I could be wrong but doesn't seem like it.

And you wonder why people call you the things they call you or put you on ignore...

 

[jrswizzle]

Ask Apple's legion of fans. Again, are you out there making this same argument for Samsung or any non-Apple OEMs?

No - I don't frequent the sites/forums of other OEMs, nor do I regularly use other companies' products at this point. I defend points when I need to - which sometimes involves defending someone other than Apple.

I also don't simply begin by "defending Apple" - the conversation simply went that way.

I can also ask, why does it bother you so much when people say Apple is copying? They are. As are others. It goes both ways. The problem is, there are many who thinks it goes only one way. Are you out there defending both directions with as much dedication as you do for Apple? I could be wrong but doesn't seem like it.

And you wonder why people call you the things they call you or put you on ignore...

It doesn't bother me necessarily when people say that. But that's not what's being said - people are being specific about saying Apple is copying GOOGLE. Which isn't true - and it also doesn't add anything to the conversation.

If you go back, I responded to the "Apple is copying Google" comment by saying we should look at implementation and not the base feature. The goal was not to defend Apple as people took it - simply to provide an avenue more conducive to discussion.

I don't "wonder why people put me on ignore" - I know why. They can't handle their trolling being pointed out. Its no skin off my back - if they want to ignore me that's their problem. I personally don't ignore people I disagree with.

I don't know if you were around here when Onthecouchagain was here - but he and I FREQUENTLY and somewhat PUBLICLY disagreed on numerous occasions. But I always enjoyed our discussions because he would ACTUALLY respond and rebut my arguments/comments.

 

[Stuntman06]

Currently, I'm using both an Android phone (personal) and an iPhone (work). I welcome the fact that I will soon be able to do certain things on my iPhone that I have already been able to do on Android for quite a while. For people who only use iOS, these features new to iOS represent a significant upgrade. I currently don't like the iOS keyboard and am looking forward to using a third party keyboard on my iPhone. I don't care if this feature has been copied from Android. In fact, I'd be less happy if Apple didn't copy this from Android.

 

[Vegastouch]

Like what? Google didn't invent quick reply, predictive type, continuity features, widgets, etc....

I don't want to get into this on this thread as well - you know where I stand. If you want to rebut, we've already destroyed the "Sooooo iOS 8" thread....

You seem to destroy any discussion that doesnt favor Apple in here, lol.

 

[jrswizzle]

You seem to destroy any discussion that doesnt favor Apple in here, lol.

Unfortunately, I got sucked into the same conversation on two different threads.

I'm not trying to overly coddle Apple or defend them. They definitely borrow features from all kinds of places. I'm just trying to make an important distinction between feature and implementation....that's all.

I just want to have an intelligent conversation about the implementation of these iOS 8 features compared to their Android counterparts.

Too much to ask?

 

[Cloudane]

Good write up, I'm ping ponging between them myself, see my thread on it.

Kitkat. Android performance and stability got a massive bump with Kitkat.

Ever since 4.0 I've found Android superior to iOS in every way, except for malware (i.e. restrictions i.e. usually actually a negative on iOS side). And touch wood, I've never actually been infected.
I feel that iOS8 is catching up functionally (slowly), whilst in innovation (handover to desktop) it's creating a new and much needed revolution, and that's what excited me greatly, perhaps enough to give up the Android freedom.

12 month upgrade

Really? o.o In the UK they're all 18 month minimum, usually 24. Whichever "side" it's on.
I'd definitely want a Nexus next time if it's another 'droid. Without a shadow of a doubt. There may be reasons for being 3 versions behind on Samsung or HTC, but it still sucks being 3 versions behind.

Game selection on android is vastly better and now they actually run as well as the iOS iterations.

It's getting there. I downloaded one of the Final Fantasy games on Android once and ended up getting a refund 5 minutes later as the scaling to my screen size was awful. I also have a decent library of iOS games that just don't exist on Android. I think it's lagging still, but improving.

Android got smooth.

It did. Easily rivals iOS there.

The S5 screen blows the iPhone screen out the water.

Yes, quite (mine's a Note 2, but about the same size). iPhones are freaking TINY by (my) current standards, and the iPhone 5 being "lol, just a bit longer" felt like a giant "eff you" to those of us who were saying "hey guys, I'd love another iPhone but let's put these web browser screenshots side by side.... look at yours, just look at it, it's tiny!

The android ecosystem has gotten very good in terms of support from device makers.

Has it? To be fair, my Sammy is FINALLY on KitKat, but they were something like a year behind just getting 4.3. A a year is an eternity in this market.

Android apps play nicer together. For example, you hit the share button in an app and 15 apps pop up where you can instantly populate information. Inter-app communication is vastly ahead of where iOS is.

Without a shadow of a doubt, I agree. Android is FAR superior in this regard. What I'm hoping is that the new "Extensibility" feature will blow this out of the water by allowing this rare combination of "playing nice" AND still being in full control over its actions.

Easy storage upgrades.

Agreed (but watch out, there may or may not be more privacy issues with Google related services such as storage)

Widgets.

My favourite justification too. Yet in reality, in a few years, I maybe looked at a widget twice. Useful functions like weather, are now available through Notification Center.

Fragmentation is irrelevent now. My upgrade is 10.5 months away and it will have a newer version of android.

That's a bit of faith, I hope you're right.

2 apps at once. Yesterday I was watching Game of Thrones and playing on Macrumors at the same time. Yeah, it's awesome and works great. Why the hell isn't Apple doing this? Maybe then I wouldn't have to live through constant reloading apps in iOS.

I'm aware of the feature and have never used it. It should be there if people are using it though.


Just my 2p

 

[AustinIllini]

Stealing their thunder? All they did was steal their ideas. No matter, Android will continue to update thru the year while Apple has another year to wait for what they didnt get this time. Its all good for everyone but i dont see it as stealing anyones thunder. Android will continue to trudge ahead and further seperate themselves from iOS.

----------





The Nexus 5 and G2 and G3 are no slouch. They have great screens too.

The fact that the Nexus 5 is in the conversation is amazing considering the price point. Best phone in the world for the money.

 

[mib1800]

Unfortunately, I got sucked into the same conversation on two different threads.

I'm not trying to overly coddle Apple or defend them. They definitely borrow features from all kinds of places. I'm just trying to make an important distinction between feature and implementation....that's all.

I just want to have an intelligent conversation about the implementation of these iOS 8 features compared to their Android counterparts.

Too much to ask?

Maybe you want to enlightened us what are the differences in implementation from a user point of view. As far a I can see they are the same as android.

I think using implementation is the only excuse you could make in defence of apple.

 

[jrswizzle]

Maybe you want to enlightened us what are the differences in implementation from a user point of view. As far a I can see they are the same as android.

I think using implementation is the only excuse you could make in defence of apple.

But it's not a defense....I just want a discussion.

Take widgets. Apple has decided to implement them in a different way than Android in that you can only access them from the notification center.

Is this implementation enough to lure certain Android users? What about the fact that you'd be able to access those widgets from anywhere - on the lock screen, home screen or even in an app. That's quite different than Android no?

Some apps allow for widgets in the pull down shade on Android I've been told - but it's not how you normally see widgets used on Android.

That's just one example for one new feature for iOS 8.

 

[mib1800]

But it's not a defense....I just want a discussion.

Take widgets. Apple has decided to implement them in a different way than Android in that you can only access them from the notification center.

Is this implementation enough to lure certain Android users? What about the fact that you'd be able to access those widgets from anywhere - on the lock screen, home screen or even in an app. That's quite different than Android no?

Some apps allow for widgets in the pull down shade on Android I've been told - but it's not how you normally see widgets used on Android.

That's just one example for one new feature for iOS 8.

Fact is widget is just widget. Where you can put them is actually restrictive on ios. On android you can have them on the home, lock and notification screens and even on dock bar or floating windows. So there is no difference at all. That's only your excuse to muddle the fact that apple is just copying android. Apple deserves the same brick bats that you gave samsung. That's call fair play which I think is not in your vocabulary. :lol:

 

[jrswizzle]

Fact is widget is just widget. Where you can put them is actually restrictive on ios. On android you can have them on the home, lock and notification screens and even on dock bar or floating windows. So there is no difference at all. That's only your excuse to muddle the fact that apple is just copying android. Apple deserves the same brick bats that you gave samsung. That's call fair play which I think is not in your vocabulary. :lol:

Have a nice evening.

 

[zone23]

The ONLY reason I'm using Android today is because of the bigger screen. The rest I could take or leave.

 

[AustinIllini]

The ONLY reason I'm using Android today is because of the bigger screen. The rest I could take or leave.

That's not the reason I bought the Nexus 5 (I just wanted something different), but it's the only reason I'm staying with the Nexus 5 for now.

 

[sentinelsx]

But it's not a defense....I just want a discussion.

Take widgets. Apple has decided to implement them in a different way than Android in that you can only access them from the notification center.

Is this implementation enough to lure certain Android users? What about the fact that you'd be able to access those widgets from anywhere - on the lock screen, home screen or even in an app. That's quite different than Android no?

Some apps allow for widgets in the pull down shade on Android I've been told - but it's not how you normally see widgets used on Android.

That's just one example for one new feature for iOS 8.

Actually apps like status bar weather, scores etc have tons of downloads, but an average person probably is oblivious to that powerful feature.

So yeah apple has put a decent implementation, but it is available in android. The irony is the average Joe will think apple has a better widget implementation because of the home screen widget tradition on android.

 

[Stuntman06]

But it's not a defense....I just want a discussion.

Take widgets. Apple has decided to implement them in a different way than Android in that you can only access them from the notification center.

Is this implementation enough to lure certain Android users? What about the fact that you'd be able to access those widgets from anywhere - on the lock screen, home screen or even in an app. That's quite different than Android no?

Some apps allow for widgets in the pull down shade on Android I've been told - but it's not how you normally see widgets used on Android.

That's just one example for one new feature for iOS 8.

Are the iOS 8 widgets mixed in with the notifications, or will they have their own section? I would hope that widgets will be separate from notifications as I prefer widgets to be exactly where I place them than be moved around and intermixed with notifications.

Since widgets are in the notification centre, being able to access them from any app is nice. It's something I never though of actually wanting to do with most of my widgets. I can think of some that would be nice to be able to access in the notifcation tab. Most are settings controls which may already appear in the Android notification/controls bar. The music player widget controls appear in the Android notifications when it is actually playing music. When it isn't, I have to start the music from the widget on the home screen. My Android Volume Widget allows me to change multiple volume levels with a single touch. I think it would be nice to be able to access this from the notification bar like other settings. Other widgets such as shortcuts or the flashlight I don't really need to access while in another app.

I haven't explored apps that can put widgets in the notification pull down. I didn't know they exist. Perhaps I'll look into this.

 

[jrswizzle]

Are the iOS 8 widgets mixed in with the notifications, or will they have their own section? I would hope that widgets will be separate from notifications as I prefer widgets to be exactly where I place them than be moved around and intermixed with notifications.

Widgets will show up in the "Today" view of NC - and can be ordered however the user chooses.

Since widgets are in the notification centre, being able to access them from any app is nice. It's something I never though of actually wanting to do with most of my widgets. I can think of some that would be nice to be able to access in the notifcation tab. Most are settings controls which may already appear in the Android notification/controls bar. The music player widget controls appear in the Android notifications when it is actually playing music. When it isn't, I have to start the music from the widget on the home screen. My Android Volume Widget allows me to change multiple volume levels with a single touch. I think it would be nice to be able to access this from the notification bar like other settings. Other widgets such as shortcuts or the flashlight I don't really need to access while in another app.

Control Center gives music/media playback controls all the time in iOS. But I see what you're saying - it will be interesting to see if Apple adds any widgets from the stock apps or settings. I doubt it though - Control Center is for settings, NC is for info and notifications. No sense in mixing the two. Apple could just allow for customization of the Control Center - but not this year.

I haven't explored apps that can put widgets in the notification pull down. I didn't know they exist. Perhaps I'll look into this.

Someone told me this was the case....though I suspect its more like you mentioned - settings toggles and such. Not actionable eBay auction countdowns or ESPN Sportscenter scores etc.

 

[sentinelsx]

No need to depend on each app to show it. There is a much better solution:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.shekeen.WidgetHolder

And a feedly widget in action on my device:

----------

Also, the widgets are actionable

 

[Technarchy]

The fact that the Nexus 5 is in the conversation is amazing considering the price point. Best phone in the world for the money.

Nexus 5 is overrated. The junk camera alone would be a deal breaker for me, and then there is the battery life and painfully long charge times.

Never saw what the fuss was all about other than it being cheap and plain jane android.

 

[Vegastouch]

Nexus 5 is overrated. The junk camera alone would be a deal breaker for me, and then there is the battery life and painfully long charge times.

Never saw what the fuss was all about other than it being cheap and plain jane android.

The camera isnt SSG5 quality but i think it is pretty good. Its improved with the last two updates and imo it is better than the M8 camera. I dont know what you mean with "slow charge times". Mine charges pretty fast. If you compare any phone to your GS5 then yes it is slow but it dont take that long to charge my Nexus 5.
Battery life could be better but it is better than my GS3 was.
The N5 is a very good phone, especially for the price.

 

[AustinIllini]

Nexus 5 is overrated. The junk camera alone would be a deal breaker for me, and then there is the battery life and painfully long charge times.

Never saw what the fuss was all about other than it being cheap and plain jane android.

Except at the price point, it puts nearly every other phone to shame.

 

[Oohara]

Except at the price point, it puts nearly every other phone to shame.

IMO it's also the most handsome Android phone around, if you care about that sort of thing

 

[AustinIllini]

IMO it's also the most handsome Android phone around, if you care about that sort of thing

I agree outside the camera

 

[Oohara]

I agree outside the camera

Aye, there is that. But that gorgeous notification light pretty much makes up for it


Oh lord how I would kill for a 6" Nexus phablet following the same design cues.