I can empathize with what folks are looking additionally to be able to do BUT Apple does upgrades based on their previous device, not another OS. And what they come out with is an upgrade to the previous iPhone device for these to continue to fly off shelves.
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Can Apple close the gap to the S6's hardware?
- Thread starter journeyy
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Yes, but if I could do all of those things and the apple only stuff it would be overall superior IMO, maybe even unarguably
You would also get Apple's much better update structure (aside from the inability to downgrade - which is probably worth it for prompt, guaranteed updates)
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I'm using a Nexus 6 now. There are three things that any modern OS (including mobile OS) has that enables all these cool features. True multitasking, exposed file system and inter-process communication (IPC).
IOS doesn't have any of these.
I understand the general nature of your complaints - iPhone is too closed off for your liking. Unfortunately, other than Apple creating things like the Share Sheet for devs to use, and third-party programs like CopyTrans Manager, I think those complaints will go largely unfixed.
I believe Apple thinks your home screens exist to get you into the app as quickly as possible. There you can be served information. It does not see home screens as a place for widgets.
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Fair complaint. I like the Nexus devices. Pure Android and no waiting for updates when they come.
If I was to switch, that would be my phone of choice.
Those are things you can do on Android. And having access to the file system has never been an issue with me.
Usually I'm just dragging music files into the music folder. If your doing things you aren't famiar with them yes but you wouldn't be smart to do that.
I have also changed my boot up animation before as well.
I just don't know how it could be controlled so you can't drag any old file on there and mess the phone up. It's fine for geeks into that sort of thing I suppose but I think iOS is the way it is because it's heavily controlled and this makes it reliable in my experience. I wouldn't want it to be any more complicated.
I've known so many friends and colleagues that have bricked their phones by trying things they are not experienced with. We have to remember it's an extremely small market of people who enjoy playing with the software of their phones in the grand scheme of things. I've always thought Android is for techy types and iOS is for the no hassle people like myself.
I still import music off CD's or buy direct from iTunes. If I have mp3's I put them in folders and import them to iTunes that way. It's not much different to drag and drop to me.
I had a Nexus 5 for a year and a half and its a good device but pure Android was too pure for my liking. Samsung's TW has many other things to like about it that i missed on my Nexus. I didnt like the TW launcher so i dont use it much like i dont like the Google launcher so in both cases i use Nova. Another thing you cant do with iPhone.
The faster updates are nice but that is the only thing i liked about a Nexus over my previous GS1, GS3 and current GS6.
I didnt get a Nexus 6 because they made it too big but would of liked to have a Nexus from Motorola though they did make the battery too small for a big device. I would consider a Nexus again if it goes back to being cheaper but not at the current price.... and i think id still miss the extras you get from Samsung minus the bloat. Im sure id feel the same about Sense but ive never had a HTC One phone.
The one thing about Apple that is awesome is the support. Got to give them that.
I just don't know how it could be controlled so you can't drag any old file on there and mess the phone up. It's fine for geeks into that sort of thing I suppose but I think iOS is the way it is because it's heavily controlled and this makes it reliable in my experience. I wouldn't want it to be any more complicated.
I've known so many friends and colleagues that have bricked their phones by trying things they are not experienced with. We have to remember it's an extremely small market of people who enjoy playing with the software of their phones in the grand scheme of things. I've always thought Android is for techy types and iOS is for the no hassle people like myself.
I still import music off CD's or buy direct from iTunes. If I have mp3's I put them in folders and import them to iTunes that way. It's not much different to drag and drop to me.
Well imo thats their stupidity. Ive also read about people installing an update on their current iPhone that is jailbroken right away without reading if it is even compatible with their phone and they messed it up. It's their own fault. Some of those updates werent meant for the little bit older phones. Nobody wants to take the time and read a little bit.
iTunes imo is just an incredible pain in the rear. Granted i havent used it in a long time now but i was sure glad to be rid of it.
As for Android, im not real techy at all. I used to be more but i stopped keeping up with tings a while ago because it moves so fast and now its out of my league and dont understand many of the things posters talk about here. I used to jailbreak my iphone and root my first Android back in 2010 but dont feel the need to root any longer so i dont. Customizing Android is pretty easy and you dont need to be techy.
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It is their stupidity but with the support Apple offer, I could see their genius bars clogged up with more idiots than they currently get! People demanding new phones because they dragged a dodgy movie on to the device and it's all gone wrong. I like the way Apple lock it down within reason to be honest. It saves them hassle in the long run. If people want more freedom then there are other options on the market. I'm lucky I suppose that I haven't been limited by the iPhone and it's a solid product for my uses.
iTunes is vastly improved to what it was 10 years ago when I first started using it. I only interact with it these days when I'm backing my phone up as any archived media I have is already on there. It's handy when getting a new phone too as you don't have to go through the hassle of setting everything up again. I just restore and continue. Different people, different needs and demands I suppose.
Sorry you feel that way about iTunes, but many out there believe it's a nicely polished product. Especially on OS X. Adding new music really is no different than drag and drop. Having a central database that keeps all your music plus it's metadata all in one place is very convenient. Playlist, iTunes Radio, plus more all add to the user experience. To each their own though.
LOL, yeah. I havent heard really anything about somebody messing up their device messing with the folders though. And we have no genius bar,lol. I am really surprosed that Apple replaces phones when it is the persons own fault that it is messed up. Got to admire that because imo they dont have to do that.
I do think the iPhone is a sold device, it just doesnt do enough for my liking is all. I am glad they made the screens bigger and the 4.7" would work for me but seriously, every time i mess with one im about 5 minutes in and im thinking, man this thing is boring....just from the home page that you cant really change much, or themes you cant change unless you jailbreak it.
Thats just me.
Its been 5 years for me. Im sure it has improved but im also sure it is the same in many ways. I still have a iPod and im afraid to plug it in and losing all my music because it always says this isnt recognised as my device for some reason. I havent tried it in a couple years.
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Not sure Apple replaces phones when it's the users fault it's broken, I wasn't suggesting they do that. It's often at the discretion of the member of staff maybe in many cases.
If the iPhone bored you then nobody can argue with that. A phone is more of a tool for me rather than a fun gadget so I perhaps don't judge it too critically. I go months without changing a wallpaper and as long as all my regular apps are on the homepage it's all good for me. I'm probably considered boring in this community though lol.
It's really amazing to me people are still arguing that because apple is selling and profiting millions, that they don't need to step up their game hardware wise or software wise. They need to do both.
I argue they shouldn't stop or rest just because they're doing this well. Certain people wanna argue the opposite, that because they're doing so very well, they don't have to compete to the same degree in specs and features etc.
And to some degree that's true, but I fear that is the problem in itself. Apple will do apple and be fine -- heck even have record breaking sales -- because the branding is strong and they'll get away with it for many more years to come. The branding is really that strong. This isn't about fanboys or sheep. Not entirely anyway. This is about the general perception of apple. For better or worse, they are the golden child of the industry both in the general public and the press.
Everyone should really read this:
https://medium.com/krautreporter-stories/the-apple-media-distortion-field-644e9e7b8666
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And you can still do all that even if a file system existed in iOS. When people ask for features, they are asking in addition to what can already be done. You don't lose anything. There is only gain for those who want it. For those who don't, why argue against it?
Doesn't apple have the best customer service? They do. What's the fear of the few who will brick their phone from dragging the wrong file? Doesnt apple deal with bricked phones now anyway for a variety of other reasons, including apples own official aoftware updates (iOS 8 anyone?)? Apple software engineers aren't smart enough to design a system where this is reversible or fixable? This is the world's most advanced mobile operating system. It's time it acts like it.
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The point is, it can be both.
Many android devices are perfectly usable and good right out of the box. The difference is they can be more if they're needed to be.
And I've always argued that customization is not just aesthetics. Changing the way you use your phone, catering it to your specific needs is an effect felt daily. This is a device you use every single day multiple times a day. It makes a big difference.
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This, I think, is an unwarranted fear. IOS will never be a carbon copy of android. People are asking for naturally desirable features. Features to help their iOS experience get better, faster, easier, more catered to their personal use needs. Apple finally added control center for quick toggles. Look how much happier people are. Are they worried its a copy of android? Only those who are silly. Apple finally added third party key boards. Again, what fear? People are glad finally. In fact people would love to see more ability to set other defaults. Etc.
Unwarranted fear that almost is masquerading as an excuse for ios' lack of features. IOS will always be unique.
I argue they shouldn't stop or rest just because they're doing this well. Certain people wanna argue the opposite, that because they're doing so very well, they don't have to compete to the same degree in specs and features etc.
And to some degree that's true, but I fear that is the problem in itself. Apple will do apple and be fine -- heck even have record breaking sales -- because the branding is strong and they'll get away with it for many more years to come. The branding is really that strong. This isn't about fanboys or sheep. Not entirely anyway. This is about the general perception of apple. For better or worse, they are the golden child of the industry both in the general public and the press.
Everyone should really read this:
https://medium.com/krautreporter-stories/the-apple-media-distortion-field-644e9e7b8666
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I just don't know how it could be controlled so you can't drag any old file on there and mess the phone up. It's fine for geeks into that sort of thing I suppose but I think iOS is the way it is because it's heavily controlled and this makes it reliable in my experience. I wouldn't want it to be any more complicated.
I've known so many friends and colleagues that have bricked their phones by trying things they are not experienced with. We have to remember it's an extremely small market of people who enjoy playing with the software of their phones in the grand scheme of things. I've always thought Android is for techy types and iOS is for the no hassle people like myself.
I still import music off CD's or buy direct from iTunes. If I have mp3's I put them in folders and import them to iTunes that way. It's not much different to drag and drop to me.
And you can still do all that even if a file system existed in iOS. When people ask for features, they are asking in addition to what can already be done. You don't lose anything. There is only gain for those who want it. For those who don't, why argue against it?
Doesn't apple have the best customer service? They do. What's the fear of the few who will brick their phone from dragging the wrong file? Doesnt apple deal with bricked phones now anyway for a variety of other reasons, including apples own official aoftware updates (iOS 8 anyone?)? Apple software engineers aren't smart enough to design a system where this is reversible or fixable? This is the world's most advanced mobile operating system. It's time it acts like it.
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The point is, it can be both.
Many android devices are perfectly usable and good right out of the box. The difference is they can be more if they're needed to be.
And I've always argued that customization is not just aesthetics. Changing the way you use your phone, catering it to your specific needs is an effect felt daily. This is a device you use every single day multiple times a day. It makes a big difference.
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This, I think, is an unwarranted fear. IOS will never be a carbon copy of android. People are asking for naturally desirable features. Features to help their iOS experience get better, faster, easier, more catered to their personal use needs. Apple finally added control center for quick toggles. Look how much happier people are. Are they worried its a copy of android? Only those who are silly. Apple finally added third party key boards. Again, what fear? People are glad finally. In fact people would love to see more ability to set other defaults. Etc.
Unwarranted fear that almost is masquerading as an excuse for ios' lack of features. IOS will always be unique.
"It's really amazing to me people are still arguing that because apple is selling and profiting millions, that they don't need to step up their game hardware wise or software wise. They need to do both."
As far as hardware, it looks like Samsung stepped down their game with removal of the SD slot and removal battery. Does that count? Or is hardware only cpu/gpu and memory?
Apple will have killer hardware in it's next generation of phones. Look at the 5S, first to market with 64 bit software and hardware. Over a year later the rest of the industry is finally catching up.
There seems to a misconstrued interpretation on this thread, that is perpetuated by a small group, and I can only speak for myself, when I say I would welcome additional features. But the inclusion or exclusion of features in IOS 9 is not going to cause me to get another phone. What makes for this diverse market is the some features critical to some are optional for others across different manufacturers.
As for the apple "distortion field", you gotta hand it to apple, they are successful at doing what Samsung (and every other company) only wishes it could do. But Samsung has it's own "distortion field" as it seems they have people believing throw enough hardware at a phone and presto, their phones will turn into a great device. (eg the IR blaster; the most critical piece of hardware on a phone. It's critical only until Samsung removes it, like SD card and removable battery)
As far as hardware, it looks like Samsung stepped down their game with removal of the SD slot and removal battery. Does that count? Or is hardware only cpu/gpu and memory?
Apple will have killer hardware in it's next generation of phones. Look at the 5S, first to market with 64 bit software and hardware. Over a year later the rest of the industry is finally catching up.
There seems to a misconstrued interpretation on this thread, that is perpetuated by a small group, and I can only speak for myself, when I say I would welcome additional features. But the inclusion or exclusion of features in IOS 9 is not going to cause me to get another phone. What makes for this diverse market is the some features critical to some are optional for others across different manufacturers.
As for the apple "distortion field", you gotta hand it to apple, they are successful at doing what Samsung (and every other company) only wishes it could do. But Samsung has it's own "distortion field" as it seems they have people believing throw enough hardware at a phone and presto, their phones will turn into a great device. (eg the IR blaster; the most critical piece of hardware on a phone. It's critical only until Samsung removes it, like SD card and removable battery)
You're kidding right? Were you asleep when people found out it would lose removable batteries and micro SD? It divided a lot of people. There is no shortage of people complaining about those losses.
The difference however is that those features obviously didn't help sales. Samsung last year saw a slow down in their mobile division. And with the press and tech sphere begging and criticizing Samsung to no end to use better materials and builds, this was a logical decision. It's obviously paying off too as the s6 and edge look to be successful. It came at a much needed time for Samsung to up their design and material game. How many people are they winning over for those that they lost due to batteries and micro SD. I don't know the answer but its something they're obviously willing to trade. What happened to the importance of design ethos and premium quality materials so many iPhone users say is important to them?
Also -- and this is hugely important -- Samsung actually has the opportunity to still introduce an Active variant of the s6, which I predict they will do (there was a leak a while back if I'm not mistaken). This should address those who are clamoring for waterproofing and removable batteries and perhaps micro SD as well. Does apple offer any chance of such a variant to address that specific market need? No. There are also the s5 or last yearns Active if people really desperately need those features. Also there are other options like the z3/z4. Again, where are these options for an ios device?
As for 64 bit, that's great but where is the same criticism when others throw in specs for future proofing. Tell me, what has the 64 bit done for you? How has it specifically made your experience better in your day to day usage of the iPhone? There is no discernable benefit. Apple put it in for the future. That's great. Why can't Samsung or others do the same? How many times have we seen people knocking Samsung for adding too hi res screen? At least the screen is something you look at and interact with every day and time you use your phone. And the screen is glorious indeed.
Samsung is not without its problems, but trading in a few niche features for industry-demanding better design and materials is not one of them. Samsung is not without its problems but pushing the best technology at the time to consumers is not one of them. Shouldn't this be the definition of premium? Quality design with class leading technology? Instead of being celebrated it's being criticized. And then for apple, instead of making the demands for the same, you have people like you and jrswizzle making excuses via the fact that apples sales are through the roof.
This line of thought is folly.
And it just goes to show how strong the apple branding really is. Reality distortion field at its finest. And it'll continue being this way for years to come thanks to people like you. Apples not complaining though.
People like me? Reality distortion at its finest? Who has really been brainwashed? At any rate rather than slinging pejoratives I don't see anything wrong in liking the product I bought.
You seem to be annoyed at Apple for producing a product you are not particularly interested in, but the masses like.
I like my iPhone 6, too. No one is knocking you for liking the products you buy. I like my macs and ipad, too.
You are incorrect. And you've potentially missed the entire point of my posts in this thread.
It's tough not to Get the point of your thread. The reference to "Apple distortion reality field" is the key.
Apple can always improve i'll never deny that, they all look to introduce new features and hardware, it's just Apple don't flood it's devices with them every year. I can live with that and enjoy the improvements they make. If I wanted a device bursting with features I never knew I needed then I could easily pick another device on the market.
Apple can't get complacent with anything they release. Their strong branding helps massively but in my opinion they are yet to drop the ball. The iPhone 6 is a competitive device and yet basic in its specification. I think a lot of consumers including myself look for a solid, easy to use OS that cuts out a lot of the faff before anything else. Hardware comes secondary for me to be honest. The iPhone could be a plain black piece of product design and I would still buy it because I like the experience of iOS. This doesn't mean I don't want Apple to experiment with features in future and introduce new ones. I do miss the Facebook and Twitter widgets from the notification centre on iOS 6, so would welcome that back at some point lol.
Apple can't get complacent with anything they release. Their strong branding helps massively but in my opinion they are yet to drop the ball. The iPhone 6 is a competitive device and yet basic in its specification. I think a lot of consumers including myself look for a solid, easy to use OS that cuts out a lot of the faff before anything else. Hardware comes secondary for me to be honest. The iPhone could be a plain black piece of product design and I would still buy it because I like the experience of iOS. This doesn't mean I don't want Apple to experiment with features in future and introduce new ones. I do miss the Facebook and Twitter widgets from the notification centre on iOS 6, so would welcome that back at some point lol.
Agree with much of what you said, especially the highlighted section above.
This isn't an "Apple is doomed" sort of discussion. Quite the opposite. Apple is far from doom.
As I've said, their brand recognition is incredibly strong right now. So strong that even if they aren't competing to the degree others are, they can get away with amazing record-breaking sales. And I have no doubt that the next iteration of iPhones will continue to do well. I'm proposing the idea that this happens mostly because of the foundation that they've built from the past, and the reputation and reliability that they've fostered over the past few years. They continue to make good products, no doubt, that sell well, but they can be and should be better regardless of sales both on a hardware and software front (the latter being more important).
The rate at which they're going just isn't fast enough when you consider how quickly the competition is moving, and how more advanced the competitor's operating system is. Again, depending on which OEM you're looking at, we're reaching desktop-level like capabilities on a smartphone.
If all we are going to go by is sales, then yes, the iPhone and iOS must be the greatest smartphone and the most advanced operating system in the world. The reality is that Apple has fallen behind both on the hardware front, and the software front. The sales don't reflect this, but the user experience does. And at the end of the day, shouldn't the latter be more important?
That's the main point I'm trying to make. And it's a shame there are still those will continue to use their sales figures to excuse Apple from needing to step up their game.
On paper where features are concerned Apple don't have as many and they don't experiment as much with new releases but the reception this gets all depends on the type of people that are buying the products.
I'd consider myself an average user, not a power user or someone who constantly wants the 'wow factor'. For me I can get all my smartphone tasks done with ease on the iPhone. I can email, text, browse the web, watch videos, listen to music, use tapatalk, use social media, take pics and videos and even call somebody lol. I think demands have plateaued in recent years and the major players have focussed on improving rather than trying to come up with the next dozen new features. If I had an S6 I would likely do all the same things I do on the iPhone like I did on my S3 before it. I think they have very different approaches that's all
I'd consider myself an average user, not a power user or someone who constantly wants the 'wow factor'. For me I can get all my smartphone tasks done with ease on the iPhone. I can email, text, browse the web, watch videos, listen to music, use tapatalk, use social media, take pics and videos and even call somebody lol. I think demands have plateaued in recent years and the major players have focussed on improving rather than trying to come up with the next dozen new features. If I had an S6 I would likely do all the same things I do on the iPhone like I did on my S3 before it. I think they have very different approaches that's all
If we are going by sales alone as the determining factor. Then you can reasonably equate the iphone so a the sales king of fast food like a McDonalds. They sell more hamburgers than anyone else. Does that mean they have the best hamburgers? No it does not....
Where macdonalds is losing money Apple is one of the richest companies on the planet with profits through the roof. Hardly a apples to apples (excuse the pun) comparison. It does mean they have properly identified their customer base.
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Apple is going to do what they are going to do. They will release an appropriately configured 6s and then iPhone 7.
Sales is only an indication a company has done its homework and identified their target market; no more no less.
I've eaten McDonald's many times in places where there is no other option and am always well aware before I eat it that it is of the poorest quality lol. Very different to a smartphone market packed with consumer choice. Then again I suppose there are people who feel McDonald's and Apple are the best but I suppose it's subjective reasoning in any case. Both companies have products that sell rather well because it has its place in the market.
Apple has made it clear they are not the company to be all things to all people. When you buy their product it's do as I say...that said that philosophy seems to work for them.
I don't know if they need to have the same level of computing power as the competition(note: computing power, not hardware) they probably will never have an ir blaster, but they will be first with new innovations on old ways to do things.