Do you plan to switch from iPhone to Android? (2016)

[epicrayban]

I use to defend 3DT against the classic argument of 'why not just implement a long press version instead?' as I thought 3DT added a valuable 3 layer after short press and long press. However, after seeing how Google implemented it just fine in Nougat on their device simply using long press, I think the technology needed for 3DT is now just a limiting factor in hardware development. We're only now getting OLED because as 3DT is implemented now, it requires a LCD display. And I'm guessing we don't have it on iPads yet because using the same technique is problematic on larger displays/devices. So instead of a uniform 'long press' solution across all iOS devices, we only see it on iPhone. And now, were going to see further fragmentation in iOS with this 'functional' area (I'm calling it an iPhone touchbar) only available able to a select few iPhone owners.

Sorry for the rant...didn't intend for it to be so long but think about this nonsense lately with Apple just gets my blood starting to boil. :mad:

Don't apologize because you're completely on point.

I was actually interested in 3D Touch initially, but you're right, the Pixel long press invalidates it to some degree. And I've always said pressure sensitivity is a rather complicated layer of interaction in a software based world. It's too mechanical, if that makes sense. And you really nailed the awkward hardware consequences. Feature fragmentation is just a real thing now with Apple. Within MacBooks, between iPhone/iPads, and soon possibly even more so within the iPhone lineup.

Side note: I'm typing this on an iPhone and I cannot stress how archaic it feels. I was just talking about features for a more software-based world, and this is another great example of something that should have evolved better. As someone else mentioned earlier, typing is such a big part of interacting with the iPhone. Thumb tapping in a software-based world is effectively emulating a typewriter. Gesture typing, on the other hand, feels like brush stroking. It's a more intuitive method and option to type with when the keys are software and no longer hardware.



[doublepost=1489276273][/doublepost]If indeed there is a third tier iPhone, along with the rumors that it may be delayed or launched later than the 7S options, is that going to hurt 7S sales? Or will it just make Apple more money as people wait to buy the iPhone edition later in year since it'll fetch more premium pricing for them?

Interesting position. Either way, Apple will do what they do best: make $$$$$$.

 

[I7guy]

Don't apologize because you're completely on point.

I was actually interested in 3D Touch initially, but you're right, the Pixel long press invalidates it to some degree. And I've always said pressure sensitivity is a rather complicated layer of interaction in a software based world. It's too mechanical, if that makes sense. And you really nailed the awkward hardware consequences. Feature fragmentation is just a real thing now with Apple. Within MacBooks, between iPhone/iPads, and soon possibly even more so within the iPhone lineup.

Side note: I'm typing this on an iPhone and I cannot stress how archaic it feels. I was just talking about features for a more software-based world, and this is another great example of something that should have evolved better. As someone else mentioned earlier, typing is such a big part of interacting with the iPhone. Thumb tapping in a software-based world is effectively emulating a typewriter. Gesture typing, on the other hand, feels like brush stroking. It's a more intuitive method and option to type with when the keys are software and no longer hardware.



[doublepost=1489276273][/doublepost]If indeed there is a third tier iPhone, along with the rumors that it may be delayed or launched later than the 7S options, is that going to hurt 7S sales? Or will it just make Apple more money as people wait to buy the iPhone edition later in year since it'll fetch more premium pricing for them?

Interesting position. Either way, Apple will do what they do best: make $$$$$$.

Fwiw, 3dt feels archaic to you and is a timesaver for me especially in composing emails, which I do a lot of on a typical business day.(plus the other use case scenarios mentioned)

The only issue is the muscle memory associated with using it on other devices. I nearly "crack" the screen on my 5s expecting 3dt to be active.

Ymmv, and you can certainly turn it off if it offers you no benefit.

 

[Radon87000]

Everybody's use case is different. You have to contact the app developer for deep integration with 3dt. This is the same a windows, the program has to support the actions on a right click.

On my iphone, fitbit, amex, gmail, youtube, wsj, whatsapp and a number of others support useful shortcuts using 3dt. Whatsapp has more than a list of contacts. Long press still has to support whatever the app programming allows for.

And that's exactly the point. Apart from Apple no one has supported the feature as it should be making it inconsistent . No third party browser supports it. No third party email client supports it. Chat apps have an inconsistent implementation. WhatsApp shows a list of contacts while Snapchat doesn't support it. On Android long press is standard. There is only 1 way to bring up the extra options which makes it easier to learn.ios has multiple ways to bring up that menu For instance on Safari you need a long press to close all tabs which is similar to Android. You would expect Apple to roll that feature into 3DT menu because to close all notifications I need 3DT. Conversely they should give the option to close all notifications using long press on the phones which don't support 3DT like they did on Safari

The right click menu on Windows is standard. When I right click something on Windows I know exactly what menu it's gonna bring up and it's used extensively even in third party apps.

 

[Radon87000]

Fwiw, 3dt feels archaic to you and is a timesaver for me especially in composing emails, which I do a lot of on a typical business day.(plus the other use case scenarios mentioned)

The only issue is the muscle memory associated with using it on other devices. I nearly "crack" the screen on my 5s expecting 3dt to be active.

Ymmv, and you can certainly turn it off if it offers you no benefit.

That is if you aren't forgetting to use the feature like I do most of the time or use Apple's apps and even then if you are using a huge phone like the 7 Plus like me then half of the time you are trying to not drop the phone while teaching around the screen so good luck finding the right amount of pressure to activate the feature which we don't even know whether that app supports or if it does what does it bring up

 

[I7guy]

That is if you aren't forgetting to use the feature like I do most of the time or use Apple's apps and even then if you are using a huge phone like the 7 Plus like me then half of the time you are trying to not drop the phone while teaching around the screen so good luck finding the right amount of pressure to activate the feature which we don't even know whether that app supports or if it does what does it bring up

No, I'm not forgetting to use it when I need it. I can't comment on how the general populace gets along with 3dt on a 7+, but long press would have the same issue.
[doublepost=1489291427][/doublepost]

And that's exactly the point. Apart from Apple no one has supported the feature as it should be making it inconsistent . No third party browser supports it. No third party email client supports it. Chat apps have an inconsistent implementation. WhatsApp shows a list of contacts while Snapchat doesn't support it. On Android long press is standard. There is only 1 way to bring up the extra options which makes it easier to learn.ios has multiple ways to bring up that menu For instance on Safari you need a long press to close all tabs which is similar to Android. You would expect Apple to roll that feature into 3DT menu because to close all notifications I need 3DT. Conversely they should give the option to close all notifications using long press on the phones which don't support 3DT like they did on Safari

The right click menu on Windows is standard. When I right click something on Windows I know exactly what menu it's gonna bring up and it's used extensively even in third party apps.

I guess you missed the part of the response when I listed the 3rd party apps supporting 3dt.

There is no inconsistent application it's up to the app developer to support the app specific feature, exactly the same as Windows. Right click is standard but specific per program support must be coded for. This is where iOS and windows are exactly the same, the right click in windows must be registered.

Whatsapp shows a number of different items for me, but again to support the unique functionality of the app the developer has to code for it.

3dt support has come a long way in a year.

Bottom line, I have no issues with 3dt and find it to be a time saver, for me.

I will agree software can be improved in both platforms but I'm more interested where 3dt is implemented, not where it isn't.

 

[Radon87000]

No, I'm not forgetting to use it when I need it. I can't comment on how the general populace gets along with 3dt on a 7+, but long press would have the same issue.

No long press is not the same because I only have to hold my finger on the icon. I dont have to exert force on the screen. I challenge you to try and activate the app switcher through 3DT on the left of the screen. Who was the idiot who designed this? How am I supposed to stretch my thumb all the way there and exert force on top and most of time I end up scrlling home screens or activating spotlight

I guess you missed the part of the response when I listed the 3rd party apps supporting 3dt.

There is no inconsistent application it's up to the app developer to support the app specific feature, exactly the same as Windows. Right click is standard but specific per program support must be coded for. This is where iOS and windows are exactly the same, the right click in windows must be registered.

Whatsapp shows a number of different items for me, but again to support the unique functionality of the app the developer has to code for it.

3dt support has come a long way in a year.

Bottom line, I have no issues with 3dt and find it to be a time saver, for me.

I will agree software can be improved in both platforms but I'm more interested where 3dt is implemented, not where it isn't.

You missed the part where I agreed that developers need to support it but the ground reality is no one supports it in a meaningful manner.

What does Whatsapp show you? The bottom bar has a list of contacts. The upper menu has new chat, starred messages and camera. What I want is to see the latest messages in the bottom bar but I cant customise this

I fail to see how 3DT is in anyway superior to long press. All of what 3DT accomplishes except the keyboard tracker is implemented on Android

 

[Shanghaichica]

No long press is not the same because I only have to hold my finger on the icon. I dont have to exert force on the screen. I challenge you to try and activate the app switcher through 3DT on the left of the screen. Who was the idiot who designed this? How am I supposed to stretch my thumb all the way there and exert force on top and most of time I end up scrlling home screens or activating spotlight



You missed the part where I agreed that developers need to support it but the ground reality is no one supports it in a meaningful manner.

What does Whatsapp show you? The bottom bar has a list of contacts. The upper menu has new chat, starred messages and camera. What I want is to see the latest messages in the bottom bar but I cant customise this

I fail to see how 3DT is in anyway superior to long press. All of what 3DT accomplishes except the keyboard tracker is implemented on Android

It's the glass screen protector that I have on my phone which makes using 3DT to switch apps difficult. With a naked screen it's easy for me to activate but I want to protect my screen so I don't use it.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I really don't have a problem with using long press with light pressure and 3D Touch with added pressure. If it's an issue and it evidently is for some here, then turn it off. Arguing over it is fruitless because at the end of the day nobody really cares outside of their own usage. I know I don't.

 

[apolloa]

I really don't have a problem with using long press with light pressure and 3D Touch with added pressure. If it's an issue and it evidently is for some here, then turn it off. Arguing over it is fruitless because at the end of the day nobody really cares outside of their own usage. I know I don't.

This is an Internet forum, people are discussing, not arguing, over features that would be a reason to leave the iPhone and go to Android, in a thread asking if you are going to leave the iPhone and go to Android. What's the problem with that? It's not pointless, it's the point of this thread!

 

[Radon87000]

It's the glass screen protector that I have on my phone which makes using 3DT to switch apps difficult. With a naked screen it's easy for me to activate but I want to protect my screen so I don't use it.

That may be the case. I use a glass screen protector with my screen too. I didn't try it with a naked screen as screen protectors go on my phones the moment they are out of the box

But even then it's a bad design decision. Apple should know that 90% of people use screen protectors on phones

I really don't have a problem with using long press with light pressure and 3D Touch with added pressure. If it's an issue and it evidently is for some here, then turn it off. Arguing over it is fruitless because at the end of the day nobody really cares outside of their own usage. I know I don't.

That's because you haven't used the Plus version like I do. My thumb barely reaches half of the screen and coupled with the added weight of the phone most of the time I am worried about it slipping from my hand while trying to reach around the screen and exerting pressure at the same time

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

This is an Internet forum, people are discussing, not arguing, over features that would be a reason to leave the iPhone and go to Android, in a thread asking if you are going to leave the iPhone and go to Android. What's the problem with that? It's not pointless, it's the point of this thread!

Bravo you
Next time I need a definition of what an Internet forum is I will be sure to look you up. The trading back and forth looks like a lot of people trying to convince others their point of view is correct. I only suggested something simple as a solution. If Androids solution is better then it's worth exploring.

That's because you haven't used the Plus version like I do. My thumb barely reaches half of the screen and coupled with the added weight of the phone most of the time I am worried about it slipping from my hand while trying to reach around the screen and exerting pressure at the same time

I have used a Plus and personally don't like it due to its size so you're right in that it's not an issue for me personally. Do you find you drop it more when trying to use 3D Touch then? I don't get the impression the Plus was ever designed for one handed use unless you have enormous hands.

 

[I7guy]

No long press is not the same because I only have to hold my finger on the icon. I dont have to exert force on the screen. I challenge you to try and activate the app switcher through 3DT on the left of the screen. Who was the idiot who designed this? How am I supposed to stretch my thumb all the way there and exert force on top and most of time I end up scrlling home screens or activating spotlight

We are going to have several 7+ in the house today, I'm going to play around with them, but I have a feeling this is a complete non-issue for me. I don't have an issue activating the app switcher on the left side...do you?

You missed the part where I agreed that developers need to support it but the ground reality is no one supports it in a meaningful manner.

You missed the part where I agreed this applies to any platform. However, enough apps support it...most "big name" apps support 3Dt.

What does Whatsapp show you? The bottom bar has a list of contacts. The upper menu has new chat, starred messages and camera. What I want is to see the latest messages in the bottom bar but I cant customise this

This can't be customized without developer support. The actions that are listed in any secondary menu have to be PROGRAMMED by the app developer. I can make up any type of menu option for any app and then complain on an on-line forum it's not supported as well. Contact the app developer, or leave a suggestion on the app store is all I can suggest.

I fail to see how 3DT is in anyway superior to long press. All of what 3DT accomplishes except the keyboard tracker is implemented on Android

To each their own use case. 3DT is instant and works well. I use peek and pop in scanning email messages and use peek and pop in going through MacRumors threads. You're "failure" to see 3dt being superior to long press, does not diminish my use case in any way.
[doublepost=1489327821][/doublepost]

It's the glass screen protector that I have on my phone which makes using 3DT to switch apps difficult. With a naked screen it's easy for me to activate but I want to protect my screen so I don't use it.

I don't use a glass screen protector, just the usual anti-glare, privacy plastic screen.

 

[MRU]

So much personal opinion proffered as definitive fact here in this thread in what can only be described as sudo tit for tat point scoring.

Do you guys actually enjoy using your devices or do you just spend your time writing lists of how yours is better than somebody else's ?

 

[epicrayban]

So much personal opinion proffered as definitive fact here in this thread in what can only be described as sudo tit for tat point scoring.

Do you guys actually enjoy using your devices or do you just spend your time writing lists of how yours is better than somebody else's ?

Especially engaging with people who have, on a number of times, expressed that they would never use anything other than the iPhone. Then what's there to discuss with those people in the alternative section? Nothing.

What insight could they possibly share that we -- who have actually used and understand the competition -- don't know better than them? Nothing.



To bring this back on point:

Nice write up of what we think we know so far. Personally, I'm still excited about the prospects of that function bar.

iPhone 8: Everything we currently know about this year’s iPhone & making sense of it all

https://9to5mac.com/2017/03/11/iphone-8-release-date-expectations-specs-and-features/

 

[I7guy]

The thread is not not about the iphone 8, it's about "the switch from iphone to Android".

Having said that, any one use case, or opinion is just as valid (or invalid) as anybody else's. But I agree with the sentiment, it's tough to gain insight from some of these posts as to whether or not a decision like this should be made.
[doublepost=1489341837][/doublepost]

So much personal opinion proffered as definitive fact here in this thread in what can only be described as sudo tit for tat point scoring.

Do you guys actually enjoy using your devices or do you just spend your time writing lists of how yours is better than somebody else's ?

I actually enjoy using my device and don't have the issues posted around here.

I even enjoy trying other devices and playing around with them. My coworker has an s7 and have spent plenty of time with it. At the end of the of the day it doesn't motivate me to switch. If I could get a cheap compatible android I would go for it. My son has a moto g that I may "borrow", as he went back to iphone.

I would like to try one of the new windows devices at some point, but I can't see spending my money on phones. I would rather buy camera bodies and lenses.

 

[The Game 161]

I always say how good a feature is based on how much you use it

3D Touch for me? I use a lot from getting phone contacts to email but I use it plenty for my football scores to check the latest scorers and how long is left in certain games. So for me for that reason I would miss not having it

 

[Shanghaichica]

I always say how good a feature is based on how much you use it

3D Touch for me? I use a lot from getting phone contacts to email but I use it plenty for my football scores to check the latest scorers and how long is left in certain games. So for me for that reason I would miss not having it

I'd rather have it than not but I wish it could do more. I'm trying to actively use it more now. I think the more I use it, it will just become part of my muscle memory. The problem is that when I got my 6S plus I didn't use it enough from the start. Also not all of the apps supported it from the start, now it's a case of always remembering to try it on my apps to see if they have added support.

 

[epicrayban]

I always say how good a feature is based on how much you use it

3D Touch for me? I use a lot from getting phone contacts to email but I use it plenty for my football scores to check the latest scorers and how long is left in certain games. So for me for that reason I would miss not having it

I use it for text editing. But it's unfortunate it's at the expense of gesture typing.

 

[tbayrgs]

Like I've mentioned, I use 3DT likely more than most. My issues with it involve a few separate issues that IMO, limit its potential:

1) Little to no customization. Other than a couple of apps I've seen that offer the option to select what shortcuts are available when you 3DT the home icon (none of them from Apple), you are limited to what Apple has implemented and I think most here would agree that those options aren't spectacular. On top of that, Apple has ignored what would be very useful implementations (i.e. Control Center).

2) Fragmented implementation across Apple's hardware. The hardware required for it to work on the iPhone means it's not available on iPads. Couldn't tell you the number of times I've found myself trying to use it on either of my iPads (both Pro models). Google's software implementation allow it to be available on legacy hardware that it didn't initially roll out with. It's also often quite finicky to use and makes using other features much more difficult (i.e. trying to move icons on the home screen).

I don't want 3DT to go away, I just want a more useful, ubiquitous version that's consistent across the platform.

 

[I7guy]

Like I've mentioned, I use 3DT likely more than most. My issues with it involve a few separate issues that IMO, limit its potential:

1) Little to no customization. Other than a couple of apps I've seen that offer the option to select what shortcuts are available when you 3DT the home icon (none of them from Apple), you are limited to what Apple has implemented and I think most here would agree that those options aren't spectacular. On top of that, Apple has ignored what would be very useful implementations (i.e. Control Center).

This would be a great item to send to apple feedback; more options in the control center. The rest of all the app developers, which have to support 3dt to the fullest. Apple has provided support in the operating system for 3dt and now it's up to the app developer. The 3dt shortcuts available on apple apps are pretty good, especially mail. Maybe they could provide more customizability and that may be one thing android long press has over ios, is the ability to customize specific shortcuts on a per-app basis that the developer provides...I don't know.

2) Fragmented implementation across Apple's hardware. The hardware required for it to work on the iPhone means it's not available on iPads. Couldn't tell you the number of times I've found myself trying to use it on either of my iPads (both Pro models). Google's software implementation allow it to be available on legacy hardware that it didn't initially roll out with. It's also often quite finicky to use and makes using other features much more difficult (i.e. trying to move icons on the home screen).

I don't want 3DT to go away, I just want a more useful, ubiquitous version that's consistent across the platform.

I think this is coming, just as it took a while for touch id to get to the ipads. I don't have a problem with a finicky 3dt, it works as intended for me. Have you tried to increase the pressure sensitivity?

 

[epicrayban]

Between force touching the left side (and then sliding) versus, on Android, a simple double tap of the app switcher button to switch between two apps, I would've said Apple, who champions simplicity and software, designed the latter, not the former.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Especially engaging with people who have, on a number of times, expressed that they would never use anything other than the iPhone. Then what's there to discuss with those people in the alternative section? Nothing.

What insight could they possibly share that we -- who have actually used and understand the competition -- don't know better than them? Nothing.

This topic is aimed at iPhone users that may or may not consider switching to Android so any iPhone user is welcome to post their input here. It's a question and even if you are not considering a switch, like me, the opinion on why not is also under the umbrella of the thread question.

What iPhone are you currently using? I thought you were already on Android and had been for a few years now with no intention of returning to the iPhone? I wouldn't suggest you were not welcome to post on this thread despite not meeting the criteria for the question being asked.

Like yourself though I have experienced both platforms. I was really excited about the Galaxy S7 last September when my upgrade was due and fancied exploring a change. I wimped out at the last minute and bought an iPhone 6S when I saw the extortionate pricing Apple introduced for the iPhone 7 in the UK.

Two of my good friends got S7's as their first Android experience and I helped them set up the devices. Both are sadly back with iPhones as the difference was just too much. I was a little disappointed as the phone itself is the best I have seen. The software let it down and stopped me considering Android again for the foreseeable future. Far too much disabling to get the battery to last and a worrying amount of heat coming out of both devices. Messaging especially for groups was problematic with resolutions of pictures and videos being compressed etc. It just isn't for me at this point in time. I'll probably buy an iPhone 7S in September 2018 when my contract is up.

 

[epicrayban]

This topic is aimed at iPhone users that may or may not consider switching to Android so any iPhone user is welcome to post their input here. It's a question and even if you are not considering a switch, like me, the opinion on why not is also under the umbrella of the thread question.

What iPhone are you currently using? I thought you were already on Android and had been for a few years now with no intention of returning to the iPhone? I wouldn't suggest you were not welcome to post on this thread despite not meeting the criteria for the question being asked.

Like yourself though I have experienced both platforms. I was really excited about the Galaxy S7 last September when my upgrade was due and fancied exploring a change. I wimped out at the last minute and bought an iPhone 6S when I saw the extortionate pricing Apple introduced for the iPhone 7 in the UK.

Two of my good friends got S7's as their first Android experience and I helped them set up the devices. Both are sadly back with iPhones as the difference was just too much. I was a little disappointed as the phone itself is the best I have seen. The software let it down and stopped me considering Android again for the foreseeable future. Far too much disabling to get the battery to last and a worrying amount of heat coming out of both devices. Messaging especially for groups was problematic with resolutions of pictures and videos being compressed etc. It just isn't for me at this point in time. I'll probably buy an iPhone 7S in September 2018 when my contract is up.

At no point did I say iPhone users can't post.

 

[I7guy]

At no point did I say iPhone users can't post.

Generally speaking talking about posts is better than talking about posters.

 

[epicrayban]

Neat concept video.

https://9to5mac.com/2017/03/12/dark-mode-with-oled-display-mockup/

Designer imagines the borderless experience an OLED display + Dark Mode could create w/ iPhone 8

Worth the watch.

If the iPhone 8 is anything like this, it would be a great start at bringing me back to Apple. Too bad these rumors are being dampened by the possibility that this could only be available in a third and significantly more expensive tier.

I really want the function bar to happen for the iPhone. It would effectively be software keys.