Android is still way superior

[LIVEFRMNYC]

I guess I'm not old school enough - or I just don't do enough on my smartphone......

Really I just let stuff sync in the background if need be. Photos, music, documents are all managed and synced across all my devices without any input from me.

Sure if I wanted to email a document I would have to go into the document app and "share" via email - which is backwards if you've always done it the other way, but no less convenient implementation-wise. (obviously the multiple attachment thing sucks, but that's not the point here).

I still say it all comes down to what works for you. Apple's ecosystem (the auto syncing across Apple devices) works VERY well for me. I take photos on my iPhone, they appear on my iPad and iMac. I buy a song or album on my iPad, its on iTunes match and I can play it from my iMac, AppleTVs, iPhone - hell even my HTC One.

Granted, if I downloaded songs from some other source or ripped a CD I just bought, I'd have to add in using iTunes to sync. All these other "options" or "choices" don't factor into my decision because they aren't a part of my use case anymore.

Sure I can download apps and set things up to work similarly with an Android phone and Windows desktop and even Roku boxes.....but its not the same. Its not built in/doesn't happen seamlessly. That's why I'm fine giving up the "options" to use a variety of services - because the one I use through iOS and OSX works flawlessly for my use case.

Like I said, my uses simply don't dictate the need for all those options. And of course, I'll get the "well just because you won't use it doesn't mean someone else won't" and that's true....but to them I'd say get an Android. For Apple to open iOS/OS X up as some suggest or want, it would require going against the original philosophy and appeal of the iPhone and ecosystem in the first place. For me, the clutter of so many additional services is actually UNDESIRABLE.

Besides, that's why each platform exists - to offer different experiences. I don't understand why people get upset when they hear "Go get an Android" in response to complaints about Apple. Android does things VERY well and has far fewer trade offs than it once did. In my mind, both are mature OSes and are very good, however different, options for different users.

Agreed. The Apple ecosystem does work well. I just always find myself trying to do something that goes against the format of the ecosystem, which is why I was jailbroken 95% of the time.

As far as integrated vs apps. I'm not really concerned with that. The apps that replace any iOS service run seemless for me.

 

[VulchR]

I posted above that we should wait to see what the final version of iOS7 is like before judging it. However, the issue of access to the file directory is an interesting one. I must say using iOS6 I don't really care about the file directories. When I need access to files, the apps can access them. It is possible, for instance, for me to open a Dropbox PDF and ask for it to be displayed in in Adobe Reader and then e-mail it.

Honestly I think the sandbox is there to reassure corporate IT planners that the phone is secure from hacking. Given the current levels of network intrusions etc. perhaps Apple's approach is more secure than Android's. In any case, after nearly three years of use I have never regretted not having access to the iOS's file directory and I have used iOS for all sorts of tasks ranging from personal to office to scientific. It's just not a big deal. Personalization of the GUI of the OS is probably a more substantive issue.

 

[jrswizzle]

Agreed. The Apple ecosystem does work well. I just always find myself trying to do something that goes against the format of the ecosystem, which is why I was jailbroken 95% of the time.

As far as integrated vs apps. I'm not really concerned with that. The apps that replace any iOS service run seemless for me.

For me, its about signing in once, in one place for all those types of services, instead of using Google for documents, something else for music, dropbox for photos etc...

I HATE multiple apps that have the same function/purpose....lol, but I'm a little simple in that regard I guess.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

For me, its about signing in once, in one place for all those types of services, instead of using Google for documents, something else for music, dropbox for photos etc...

I HATE multiple apps that have the same function/purpose....lol, but I'm a little simple in that regard I guess.

Google can take care of syncing photos too. I just choose not to sync photos with Google and never tried to yet.

Google can basically handle everything under one account the same as Apple. But it's not as seamless as iOS. Nor are some of the options as popular. I haven't tried out using hangouts as an iMessage replacement yet so I can't speak on it. I really need to try out Google as a complete ecosystem and see how it holds up to Apple.

 

[jrswizzle]

Google can take care of syncing photos too. I just choose not to sync photos with Google and never tried to yet.

Google can basically handle everything under one account the same as Apple. But it's not as seamless as iOS. Nor are some of the options as popular. I haven't tried out using hangouts as an iMessage replacement yet so I can't speak on it. I really need to try out Google as a complete ecosystem and see how it holds up to Apple.

Ya - I'm not really into syncing all my photos to Google+

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

Ya - I'm not really into syncing all my photos to Google+

nor Picasa.

 

[HiDEF]

nor Picasa.

Is there anyway to stop Picasa of syncing with gallery?

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

Is there anyway to stop Picasa of syncing with gallery?

Go to settings, find were your google account is (varies with differ phones), tap on your google account. You should now see a list of what can be synced. Uncheck Picasa.

 

[HiDEF]

Go to settings, find were your google account is (varies with differ phones), tap on your google account. You should now see a list of what can be synced. Uncheck Picasa.

So I have picasa unchecked but it's still showing albums in my gallery.. Any ideas?

 

[Razeus]

So far with my experince of the S4, I agree. I really wanted to stick with the iPhone, but Apple simply chose to ignore the competition and user feedback. I really would have liked to seen a proper screen size, even if they stuck with 4", default apps, app integration, sharing to any social network from any location (why I still can't share a song I'm listening to on Twitter or Facebook is baffling), and some sort of iFile manageing system so any app can use the files and the file stays where it is, instead of trapped in the app itself.

Why on earth is Apple working on Siri's different voice is beyond me. They have more pressing issues.

----------

So I have picasa unchecked but it's still showing albums in my gallery.. Any ideas?

Go into the settings for Gallery and uncheck Picasa Web Albums.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

So I have picasa unchecked but it's still showing albums in my gallery.. Any ideas?

You probably need to delete any existing picasa photo albums from your phone. It shouldn't sync again and will not affect photos on picasa.

 

[HiDEF]

So far with my experince of the S4, I agree. I really wanted to stick with the iPhone, but Apple simply chose to ignore the competition and user feedback. I really would have liked to seen a proper screen size, even if they stuck with 4", default apps, app integration, sharing to any social network from any location (why I still can't share a song I'm listening to on Twitter or Facebook is baffling), and some sort of iFile manageing system so any app can use the files and the file stays where it is, instead of trapped in the app itself.

Why on earth is Apple working on Siri's different voice is beyond me. They have more pressing issues.

----------



Go into the settings for Gallery and uncheck Picasa Web Albums.

No luck, my picasa pics are still showing.

Should I try removing my google account?

----------

When I removed my google account, it removed the picasa albums. So I added the account again and disabled picasa but I'm still getting the albums in my gallery.

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Got it! http://android.appstorm.net/how-to/internet/how-to-remove-picasa-albums-from-your-gallery/

 

[Digital Skunk]

...I really was shocked they didn't change anything with the way the icons are laid out. It does not look like you can change the homescreen still...

I would agree about this. I wasn't looking for Apple to do anything mundane with the homescreen, but I was hoping for something more than just that endless grid of icons.

Personally, I like the look of iOS 7 if only because it's finally different from the past 5 versions. It is still however, a very modest update to an already muted OS, that beats the competition in terms of consistency if nothing else.

 

[redman042]

Since everyone seems to be stuck on judging iOS 7 on looks alone, I'd like to point out the other side of that coin: the animation of the UI. Specifically, stop looking at static images of iOS 7 and spend some time looking at Youtube videos of it in motion. It's a thing of beauty. First, it animates smooth as silk. Second, every animation has a meaning. It constantly reminds you where you are and where you are going. It is instantly responsive, even when showing you a blurred rendering of the layer behind.

I don't see Android pulling that off. I've played with plenty of Android phones and tablets. The experience is inconsistent, often abrupt, and sometimes laggy.

But when you use iOS, it always feels instant and fluid, like you are using something other than a computer. From what I've seen, iOS 7 takes that to the next level.

 

[Digital Skunk]

Since everyone seems to be stuck on judging iOS 7 on looks alone, I'd like to point out the other side of that coin: the animation of the UI. Specifically, stop looking at static images of iOS 7 and spend some time looking at Youtube videos of it in motion. It's a thing of beauty. First, it animates smooth as silk. Second, every animation has a meaning. It constantly reminds you where you are and where you are going. It is instantly responsive, even when showing you a blurred rendering of the layer behind.

I don't see Android pulling that off. I've played with plenty of Android phones and tablets. The experience is inconsistent, often abrupt, and sometimes laggy.

But when you use iOS, it always feels instant and fluid, like you are using something other than a computer. From what I've seen, iOS 7 takes that to the next level.

As others have said, I will wait to use iOS 7 before I make any judgements on how useful that feature really is. For me, I've never found Android inconsistent, abrupt or "laggy" (which has been terribly overused). And animations have never really been my thing. They remind of Aero from Windows Vista, which ate up resources and didn't aid me in actually doing anything. They just looked nice.

....I really need to try out Google as a complete ecosystem and see how it holds up to Apple.

It hold up very well, looks very good, and is pretty nice to setup.

The only downside is that it's not very far reaching on the desktop side as Apple's services.

Apple gives you the complete ecosystem, from web, to phone, to tablet, to laptop, to desktop.

Google gives you an ecosystem that is arguably better than Apple's in terms of the web, cloud services, and interoperability/being cross platform, but that's as far as it really goes.

 

[crjackson2134]

I guess I'm in the minority here. I really like iOS 6x but I'm less that enthusiastic about iOS7. I've got 7 iOS devices and 4 Android devices. I'm much happier with iOS and hate to see some of the interface changes I've read about and seen only on the WWDC presentation. I hope when it gets here, it's something I can deal with. The calendar looks like a downgrade to me. I'm going to give it a go on 1 device only. If I don't like it, the others will remain at 6.3 until I replace them.

 

[redman042]

For me, I've never found Android inconsistent, abrupt or "laggy" (which has been terribly overused). And animations have never really been my thing. They remind of Aero from Windows Vista, which ate up resources and didn't aid me in actually doing anything. They just looked nice.

What matters most depends on the person. I'm not typically fixated on aesthetics, but the great majority of griping I hear about iOS 7 is "the icons are ugly" and "why can't I customize the UI like on Android" so for the most part the world is VERY fixated on aesthetics. But with iOS 7, most are looking at static images. They won't know what it's really like until they USE it (or at least watch videos of it).

 

[Digital Skunk]

What matters most depends on the person. I'm not typically fixated on aesthetics, but the great majority of griping I hear about iOS 7 is "the icons are ugly" and "why can't I customize the UI like on Android"

I agree that the griping is totally useless on both counts.

 

[Dreamer2go]

sitting next to me is an iPhone 5 and Galaxy S4
my iPhone 5 is loaded with iOS 7, and S4 with 4.2.2 Jelly Bean.

Experience so far?
iOS is still very easy to use, and less "gimmicky". Yes It has the Parallex feature, but that's just a UI overhaul, a step to the right direction because of how iOS 6 looks "dated", as many users complained.

I like S4's customization as well. With widgets, i have an "at a glance" view without ever opening an app.

I just think that if you want something that works, and is as simple to use, then iOS is the platform.
If you like customization and be free to do whatever you want with your phone, then stick with Android.

This debate is really useless... there're pros and cons for every system. The approach and philosophy of these two systems are just clearly different now.

No point in bashing.

 

[VulchR]

... but Apple simply chose to ignore the competition and user feedback. I really would have liked to seen a proper screen size, even if they stuck with 4", default apps, app integration....

Why on earth is Apple working on Siri's different voice is beyond me. They have more pressing issues.

I am sticking with my 4S and iOS for now. However, I will probably skipping the next iPhone, precisely because of the reasons stated here. I couldn't have summed it up better. I am not sure what i will do if the iPhone after the 5S does not have a wider (my definition of larger) screen. Apple might worry about developers having to program for different screen sizes, but my thought about this is 'get over it'. Cook made some sort of comment about customers paying Apple to make decisions for them, but they're making the wrong ones now in regard to screen size.

 

[mattopotamus]

So I have picasa unchecked but it's still showing albums in my gallery.. Any ideas?

you need to go to settings--apps---gallery and clear the data. It will remove all of your current pictures though, but that is the only way to remove the album entirely. Like others said, you need to turn sync off first then do what I said.

 

[Todd B.]

Started impressed with iOS 7 but then kind of don't like it.

Still no iFile? The new Siri look is ugly and confusing and had very little new features.

The home screen is so so so ugly, as the photos app and calendar app.

Safari still doesn't allow for downloads?

Lockscreen has no new features really apart from access to notification and control center. That's all?

No new features for personalization. Nothing at all. Couldn't they add themes if you don't like the new look?

And what about gesture for multitasking? We still have to use the damn home button?

No new features for maps apart from walking directions? Really? A whole year and that's all?

People in the audience where so desperate for a change they got up and applauded and someone shouted love you to Tim Cook.

No new features for keyboard? No swipe?

Obviously they couldn't do everything in one year and release, but they're still pretty behind the competition.

Is this gonna be the real look of iOS for the next 5 years?

Everything you listed was subjective.

How does that mean Android is superior.

I think what you meant to say "In my opinion, Android is still superior".

It hold up very well, looks very good, and is pretty nice to setup.

The only downside is that it's not very far reaching on the desktop side as Apple's services.

Apple gives you the complete ecosystem, from web, to phone, to tablet, to laptop, to desktop.

Google gives you an ecosystem that is arguably better than Apple's in terms of the web, cloud services, and interoperability/being cross platform, but that's as far as it really goes.

I had a Nexus before I, smartly, got rid of it for an iPad.

To say that the Google ecosystem is "arguably better than Apple's" is such a farce.

This is my whole issue with iOS and why I don't care for it. Just offer the option and then let me decide what's best for me

The iPhone has been fine without it for five years. It's not needed.

 

[HiDEF]

you need to go to settings--apps---gallery and clear the data. It will remove all of your current pictures though, but that is the only way to remove the album entirely. Like others said, you need to turn sync off first then do what I said.

Instead of clearing data, I cleared the cache and it worked.

Thanks to everyone who helped.

 

[mattopotamus]

Instead of clearing data, I cleared the cache and it worked.

Thanks to everyone who helped.

Does that allow the current pictures to stay intact? If so, thanks haha.

 

[HiDEF]

Does that allow the current pictures to stay intact? If so, thanks haha.

It does.