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Abazigal

Contributor
Jul 18, 2011
20,395
23,899
Singapore
Today I torrented a movie (AFK, a movie by and distributed through TPB via torrents) using uTorrent for Android, copied it to my network hard drive, and turned on my TV and Receiver and started the movie using the built-in IR blaster in my Galaxy S4. Didn't lay a finger on my laptop.

I couldn't do any of the above even with a jailbroken iPhone. Today, then, is the day that I discovered which OS I will be using for many years to come. iOS is frankly not smart enough.

There won't be that many people who would think of using their phone for the things you do either, much less bother.
 

sentinelsx

macrumors 68010
Feb 28, 2011
2,004
0
The movie downloaded over LTE at around 4MB/s, and never dropped below 3MB/s. Finished in 10 minutes. The battery took a 3% hit. Not a bad statistic for LTE downloading.

It was just as reliable as desktop uTorrent for me. And I wasn't even on Wi-Fi.
And I suppose you are on an unlimited plan which is a USA only feature

I have downloaded movies in under 5 minutes here in Canada, with a nice message from my provider in an SMS that I have now used up half of my quota.

So, not so practical for us.
 

jrswizzle

macrumors 603
Aug 23, 2012
6,107
129
McKinney, TX
Today I torrented a movie (AFK, a movie by and distributed through TPB via torrents) using uTorrent for Android, copied it to my network hard drive, and turned on my TV and Receiver and started the movie using the built-in IR blaster in my Galaxy S4. Didn't lay a finger on my laptop.

I couldn't do any of the above even with a jailbroken iPhone. Today, then, is the day that I discovered which OS I will be using for many years to come. iOS is frankly not smart enough.

This is all possible to do on an iPhone without touching your laptop TBH.....

At least the end goal is, though the process can be different.

A non-jailbroken iPhone at that. I do this all the time:

(1) Using pocketcloud pro, I log into my desktop via my phone.
(2) open up Vuze and DL torrents.
(3) Move them into iTunes
(4) Turn on AppleTV with the remote app
(5) Play movie through Home Sharing

Easy and works well. I'll do this on the go too so I can have things downloading while I'm away - though I'll say I don't torrent things very often. Most of the time its simply:

(1) Buy movie through iTunes on my AppleTV
(2) Watch.

Or, for the movies I really want, I buy them on BluRay and the digital copy many times requires a disc to be put into the computer for download.

At any rate, there's also a way to use uTorrent through an iPad, though I haven't actually done it. Don't care enough to go through a bunch of extra steps (I use PocketCloud all the time for other things).
 

samcraig

macrumors P6
Jun 22, 2009
16,786
41,983
USA
I was running with both an iPhone and Skyrocket IIs for about 16 months. Just upgraded to the GS4 (love it) and finally sold my iPhone. I had held onto it at least initially because I was very hesitant if I would like Android and I'd want to switch back even after the return policy. Plus I had a lot of apps I thought I would still want to use/access. Over the first few months it became apparent that I wasn't really touching my iPhone (at all). The bigger screen, quicker sharing options for my personal use case and other functions just served me better.

If you're going for a high end Android or the latest iPhone- it really comes down to personal preference. Both ecosystems are great and have pluses and minuses. Anyone that wants to call one better is really only interested in having a pissing contest.

My advice?

You already know how the iPhone looks and feels. But perhaps not with the new iOS. Play with a few phones. Not just casually - but really work your way around the phone.

Ultimately - you have 2 weeks (if not more) to really use a new phone and decide if you want to return it. Take advantage of that if you're unsure.

There will always be a learning curve with a new device/operating system. The one advice there I would give is that to not confuse doing things differently with poor implementation, etc. It's hard to change. I still find myself (at times) about to power on my device by hitting the power button on the top of my GS4 - a button that doesn't exist there ;)

To each their own - find out what works best for YOU. You really can't go wrong.
 

mKTank

macrumors 68000
Jul 2, 2010
1,537
3
This is all possible to do on an iPhone without touching your laptop TBH.....

At least the end goal is, though the process can be different.

A non-jailbroken iPhone at that. I do this all the time:

(1) Using pocketcloud pro, I log into my desktop via my phone.
And you already lost. You're still depending on a proper computer, whereas I was doing everything natively on my phone. Not touching the laptop also means not USING it.

(4) Turn on AppleTV with the remote app
But not the TV.



And I suppose you are on an unlimited plan which is a USA only feature

I have downloaded movies in under 5 minutes here in Canada, with a nice message from my provider in an SMS that I have now used up half of my quota.

So, not so practical for us.
6GB on Rogers. Not too horrible, but more than enough to get by.

There won't be that many people who would think of using their phone for the things you do either, much less bother.

And therefore iPhone is smart enough for them, but not for power users.
 

jrswizzle

macrumors 603
Aug 23, 2012
6,107
129
McKinney, TX
And you already lost. You're still depending on a proper computer, whereas I was doing everything natively on my phone. Not touching the laptop also means not USING it.


But not the TV.




6GB on Rogers. Not too horrible, but more than enough to get by.



And therefore iPhone is smart enough for them, but not for power users.

I don't see how I've "lost" anything. Sure I have to have a computer for this particular method.....but if you're doing EVERYTHING from your smartphone, you're at a huge disadvantage. Limited storage space, data caps, small screen etc....

I'm not sure how I see some huge advantage in an example that a very small group of people take advantage of....

Not to mention this:

http://techfat.com/2013/08/01/download-torrents-on-iphone-without-jailbreak-best-method/

Never done it as I have no need to download a torrent directly to my phone for watching on that phone or streaming from it. I have MUCH better options at my disposal. But a quick Google search tells me it is POSSIBLE to do so.

As for #6....you're right....darnit I have to press the power button on the DirecTV remote....well might as well never consider an iPhone again :rolleyes:

I actually use a GS4.....and I rarely use the universal remote function as it doesn't offer me anything. My DirecTV remotes turn on my TV and box at the same time and I have one in every room....

Anyhow, you're free to love and use whatever you want. But it always irritates me when someone brings up something the iPhone "can't" do as PROOF they've made the right choice switching to the "superior" device when the reality is, they were too ignorant to even search for the solution. It may not be the best way or the way you think it should be done, but the end result is possible.
 

samcraig

macrumors P6
Jun 22, 2009
16,786
41,983
USA
Anyhow, you're free to love and use whatever you want. But it always irritates me when someone brings up something the iPhone "can't" do as PROOF they've made the right choice switching to the "superior" device when the reality is, they were too ignorant to even search for the solution. It may not be the best way or the way you think it should be done, but the end result is possible.

He did make the right choice for him - which makes the phone he uses superior for him. And given how he wants the process to work - his device does it exactly how he needs it to. "It might not be the best way..." - well then - he values a device that allows the best way (for him). Why badger him about it? Do you really think he's going to concede to your reasoning?
 

jrswizzle

macrumors 603
Aug 23, 2012
6,107
129
McKinney, TX
He did make the right choice for him - which makes the phone he uses superior for him. And given how he wants the process to work - his device does it exactly how he needs it to. "It might not be the best way..." - well then - he values a device that allows the best way (for him). Why badger him about it? Do you really think he's going to concede to your reasoning?

The statement was made that it is IMPOSSIBLE to do something on an iPhone....

Not that he preferred the way you can do so on Android.

Yes, I'd rather people just be honest with themselves instead of promoting their switch as if they've had some major epiphany about what is truly superior.

Android works for him, great. There's no need to justify his use by making baseless statements about what the competition can't do.
 

mKTank

macrumors 68000
Jul 2, 2010
1,537
3
The statement was made that it is IMPOSSIBLE to do something on an iPhone....

Not that he preferred the way you can do so on Android.

Yes, I'd rather people just be honest with themselves instead of promoting their switch as if they've had some major epiphany about what is truly superior.

Android works for him, great. There's no need to justify his use by making baseless statements about what the competition can't do.

I didn't say anything false. iPhone still can't natively download torrents. You have to do annoying extra steps to get around that limitation by using a Remote Desktop or some horrible online torrent webapp. Hardly seems like "capability" to me. More like taking a million detours to get around limitations of a supposedly modern mobile OS.
 

Jibbajabba

macrumors 65816
Aug 13, 2011
1,024
5
A serious Android/GS4 VS iPhone thread

You had me there for a moment ... ;)

----------

Today I torrented a movie (AFK, a movie by and distributed through TPB via torrents) using uTorrent for Android, copied it to my network hard drive, and turned on my TV and Receiver and started the movie using the built-in IR blaster in my Galaxy S4. Didn't lay a finger on my laptop.

I couldn't do any of the above even with a jailbroken iPhone. Today, then, is the day that I discovered which OS I will be using for many years to come. iOS is frankly not smart enough.

I usually download stuff via uTorrent as well then I either
a. Play directly via HDMI cable
or
b. FTP up to my TV Receiver and use IR Blaster to turn on Amp, TV and Receiver ..

So yea - you don't even have to leave your sofa (unless of course you go the HDMI route).

----------

(3) Move them into iTunes

Try that with DivX / MKV or other funny formats :)
 

Phil A.

Moderator emeritus
Apr 2, 2006
5,800
3,100
Shropshire, UK
For me, the following are some of the things I use all the time on my S4 that the iPhone cannot do (which is why I never upgraded my 4s to the 5 and why I most likely won't be getting a 5s)


1) Sync photos to Dropbox automatically and in the background (all my photos are in Dropbox and Photostream isn't important to me)
2) Two way sync of other Dropbox folders to the SD Card automatically and in the background
3) Plug my phone into the Smartdock and use it as a remote desktop to another machine @ 1920x1080 resolution, including full keyboard and mouse support
4) Plug it in to charge on a night and have it switch automatically to desk clock mode and dim the display
5) Have my phone proactively inform me when I need to leave for a meeting based on the start time and the current traffic conditions
6) Block cold callers and text spammers from being able to contact me

What the iPhone does, it does very well, but unfortunately the list of what it doesn't do compared to other devices is only getting longer
 

mKTank

macrumors 68000
Jul 2, 2010
1,537
3
For me, the following are some of the things I use all the time on my S4 that the iPhone cannot do (which is why I never upgraded my 4s to the 5 and why I most likely won't be getting a 5s)


1) Sync photos to Dropbox automatically and in the background (all my photos are in Dropbox and Photostream isn't important to me)
2) Two way sync of other Dropbox folders to the SD Card automatically and in the background
3) Plug my phone into the Smartdock and use it as a remote desktop to another machine @ 1920x1080 resolution, including full keyboard and mouse support
4) Plug it in to charge on a night and have it switch automatically to desk clock mode and dim the display
5) Have my phone proactively inform me when I need to leave for a meeting based on the start time and the current traffic conditions
6) Block cold callers and text spammers from being able to contact me

What the iPhone does, it does very well, but unfortunately the list of what it doesn't do compared to other devices is only getting longer

Indeed. And everyone's cumming all over the 5S for...what? It's been a year since the last iPhone and all we get is a fingerprint sensor and NFC? Sigh. This isn't what catching up looks like, Apple. All iOS 7 did was make everything flat and more colorful. Great. And while it did add a few nice features like quick toggles, did it one-up Android in any category? Not even close. It not only did minor catching up, it caught up to features Android literally had 5 years ago. It's ridiculous.
 

onthecouchagain

macrumors 604
Mar 29, 2011
7,382
2
Indeed. And everyone's cumming all over the 5S for...what? It's been a year since the last iPhone and all we get is a fingerprint sensor and NFC? Sigh. This isn't what catching up looks like, Apple. All iOS 7 did was make everything flat and more colorful. Great. And while it did add a few nice features like quick toggles, did it one-up Android in any category? Not even close. It not only did minor catching up, it caught up to features Android literally had 5 years ago. It's ridiculous.


While I agree there's little to nothing in iOS 7 that's new to Android users, one has to admit iOS 7 is a significant upgrade for dedicated iOS users.

Those people will now come to appreciate quick toggles (shame it's not customizable, though); even the clock icon will be active (the tiniest step toward widgets or at least more accessible information. Not sure if the weather icon updates, though); notification center seems to be a bit more robust; the photo album will FINALLY be organized; Siri will sound more humane (influenced by Google Now, perhaps?); the fonts look nicer and more modern; you can gesture down to access Search anytime you want (again, another influence of Google's search bar being always available?), etc.

And just in general, while I think the new icons are hideous, I do like the OS' transparency look. It reminds me of Windows 7 look, which I've always liked aesthetically speaking. Something about iOS 7 is far more futuristic and modern looking, which I appreciate.

To reiterate, I agree with many of your points. And there's certainly plenty of more room for iOS to cover, but iOS 7 is the right direction. Those that are dedicated to the OS will reap benefits that Android users have had for some time. That is a good thing.
 

jrswizzle

macrumors 603
Aug 23, 2012
6,107
129
McKinney, TX
For me, the following are some of the things I use all the time on my S4 that the iPhone cannot do (which is why I never upgraded my 4s to the 5 and why I most likely won't be getting a 5s)


1) Sync photos to Dropbox automatically and in the background (all my photos are in Dropbox and Photostream isn't important to me)
2) Two way sync of other Dropbox folders to the SD Card automatically and in the background
3) Plug my phone into the Smartdock and use it as a remote desktop to another machine @ 1920x1080 resolution, including full keyboard and mouse support
4) Plug it in to charge on a night and have it switch automatically to desk clock mode and dim the display
5) Have my phone proactively inform me when I need to leave for a meeting based on the start time and the current traffic conditions
6) Block cold callers and text spammers from being able to contact me

What the iPhone does, it does very well, but unfortunately the list of what it doesn't do compared to other devices is only getting longer

(1) Possible in iOS (I just looked - there is an option in the Dropbox app to turn on background uploading)
(2) No SD Card support, ok.
(3) Oh darn, I can't remote desktop in 1080p on a 4" (or even 5" screen). But I can remote desktop and even use my phone/iPad as a second screen via AirDisplay
(4) Plenty of apps do this - I always found them too bright. Big thing here is AMOLED vs LCD - AMOLED blacks are off which I would assume would mean the display isn't as bright when in daydream mode.
(5) iOS 7 has this
(6) iOS 7 has this

Not trying to start an argument - just stating facts to contribute for those who might be browsing this forum. We wouldn't want them to see a one-sided view of things now would we?
 

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Phil A.

Moderator emeritus
Apr 2, 2006
5,800
3,100
Shropshire, UK
(1) Possible in iOS (I just looked - there is an option in the Dropbox app to turn on background uploading)
(2) No SD Card support, ok.
(3) Oh darn, I can't remote desktop in 1080p on a 4" (or even 5" screen). But I can remote desktop and even use my phone/iPad as a second screen via AirDisplay
(4) Plenty of apps do this - I always found them too bright. Big thing here is AMOLED vs LCD - AMOLED blacks are off which I would assume would mean the display isn't as bright when in daydream mode.
(5) iOS 7 has this
(6) iOS 7 has this

Not trying to start an argument - just stating facts to contribute for those who might be browsing this forum. We wouldn't want them to see a one-sided view of things now would we?

1) IIRC, Dropbox will only start uploading on iOS if you start the app: On Android I just take a picture and it ends up in Dropbox
2) The point wasn't SD Card support - it was the fact I can have automatic 2 way Dropbox syncing to my phone without having to think about it
3) The point is I put it into the dock and RDP on a large screen monitor @ full resolution and with Keyboard and mouse support.
4) Can you have an app start automatically on iOS when you plug it in? Not as far as I know you can't
5) iOS 7 isn't out yet, but I'll take your word for it
6) Same as 6 :)
 

jrswizzle

macrumors 603
Aug 23, 2012
6,107
129
McKinney, TX
1) IIRC, Dropbox will only start uploading on iOS if you start the app: On Android I just take a picture and it ends up in Dropbox
2) The point wasn't SD Card support - it was the fact I can have automatic 2 way Dropbox syncing to my phone without having to think about it
3) The point is I put it into the dock and RDP on a large screen monitor @ full resolution and with Keyboard and mouse support.
4) Can you have an app start automatically on iOS when you plug it in? Not as far as I know you can't
5) iOS 7 isn't out yet, but I'll take your word for it
6) Same as 6 :)

I gave you the pic. Not sure what else background uploading could mean. The option is there.

The different implementations of these functions are what cause us to choose one over the other. This is where the preference lies. Theres nothing wrong with it.

Again, it just irks me when people say "CAN'T" or "IMPOSSIBLE" when they simply mean "DIFFERENT".
 

Technarchy

macrumors 604
May 21, 2012
6,753
4,927
Today I torrented a movie (AFK, a movie by and distributed through TPB via torrents) using uTorrent for Android, copied it to my network hard drive, and turned on my TV and Receiver and started the movie using the built-in IR blaster in my Galaxy S4. Didn't lay a finger on my laptop.

I couldn't do any of the above even with a jailbroken iPhone. Today, then, is the day that I discovered which OS I will be using for many years to come. iOS is frankly not smart enough.

Too much effort.

iPhone, Apple TV, YouTube, airplay, done, never got out of bed...

Even Less effort: just watch AFK on the iPad...
 
Last edited:

Phil A.

Moderator emeritus
Apr 2, 2006
5,800
3,100
Shropshire, UK
I gave you the pic. Not sure what else background uploading could mean. The option is there.

The different implementations of these functions are what cause us to choose one over the other. This is where the preference lies. Theres nothing wrong with it.

Again, it just irks me when people say "CAN'T" or "IMPOSSIBLE" when they simply mean "DIFFERENT".

on iOS, if you want your photos in Dropbox, you have to start the Dropbox App and then either leave it active of hope the uploads finish in the 15 minutes background time apps get. On Android, you take your picture and they appear in Dropbox. On Android, it works like Photostream (i.e. uploads completely automatically and in the background); On iOS, it doesn't

I don't think there is a "different" way to get mouse and keyboard control of RDP on an external monitor on iOS : It really is impossible (Maybe it is possible via an alternative Bluetooth stack and Jailbreaking?). It might not be important to you, but it is to me and that's why I put For Me in bold right at the start of my post :)
 

jrswizzle

macrumors 603
Aug 23, 2012
6,107
129
McKinney, TX
on iOS, if you want your photos in Dropbox, you have to start the Dropbox App and then either leave it active of hope the uploads finish in the 15 minutes background time apps get. On Android, you take your picture and they appear in Dropbox. On Android, it works like Photostream (i.e. uploads completely automatically and in the background); On iOS, it doesn't

I don't think there is a "different" way to get mouse and keyboard control of RDP on an external monitor on iOS : It really is impossible (Maybe it is possible via an alternative Bluetooth stack and Jailbreaking?). It might not be important to you, but it is to me and that's why I put For Me in bold right at the start of my post :)

Hmm, I wonder about that - wonder if the new multitasking in iOS 7 would change that....

Anyhow, agreed. It ultimately comes down to what works for you. :)
 

mKTank

macrumors 68000
Jul 2, 2010
1,537
3
Too much effort.

iPhone, Apple TV, YouTube, airplay, done, never got out of bed...

Even Less effort: just watch AFK on the iPad...
Point is I can do it with any movie or TV show I want. It won't always be conveniently on YouTube. Plus I don't want it web-compressed.
 
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