Ecosystem’s?

[macher]

I see a lot of posts about Apple’s ecosystem and how great it is. I’ve been an Apple user for many years with an iMac, iPad and and iPhone. I don’t quite understand how Apple’s ecosystem is better over Google’s. The only part of Apple’s ecosystem I use is iMessage and Photos. Doesn’t Google have a similar ecosystem that’s just as good as Apple’s?

 

[Daranx]

iMessage and photos is just a part of the ecosystem, but taking photos as an example, you have iCloud photo library for cloud storage and syncing between all apple devices which is pretty seamless once up and running. There's handoff between iDevices and Macs, Apple Watch etc. W1 chipped headphones and HomeKit.

One other big factor is the App Store (on both iOS and macOS) and the amount of developer support there is above their android counterparts. When was the last time you needed to worry about app-compatibility with your devices unless they're terribly outdated?

If you're only using a few apple products, then these benefits are negligible, but if you're invested in a lot more then you start to appreciate how these things work together and the great support they receive from manufacturers and developers.

To be fair, I haven't owned an android device for about 4 years and things on the android front have definitely changed a lot since then for the better, but I'm enjoying how green things are on this side of the fence for now.

 

[macher]

iMessage and photos is just a part of the ecosystem, but taking photos as an example, you have iCloud photo library for cloud storage and syncing between all apple devices which is pretty seamless once up and running. There's handoff between iDevices and Macs, Apple Watch etc. W1 chipped headphones and HomeKit.

One other big factor is the App Store (on both iOS and macOS) and the amount of developer support there is above their android counterparts. When was the last time you needed to worry about app-compatibility with your devices unless they're terribly outdated?

If you're only using a few apple products, then these benefits are negligible, but if you're invested in a lot more then you start to appreciate how these things work together and the great support they receive from manufacturers and developers.

Yea I understand all the above. I use iCloud and iCloud Photo Library. But doesn’t Google do all this too?

In regards to app compatibility on Android. I’m referring to the iPhone ‘counterpart’ per se the Pixel 2 which I’m sure gets the best app compatibility?

 

[lowendlinux]

Yea I understand all the above. I use iCloud and iCloud Photo Library. But doesn’t Google do all this too?

In regards to app compatibility on Android. I’m referring to the iPhone ‘counterpart’ per se the Pixel 2 which I’m sure gets the best app compatibility?

They do but google is different here's mine

Project Fi
Google WiFi
Nexus 6P
Chromebook Pixel
Chromecast
Android wear

I do use Google Drive, photos, and calendar for stuff I want to share and yes everything is automagic but IMHO googles strength is in the above

 

[Tech198]

I see a lot of posts about Apple’s ecosystem and how great it is. I’ve been an Apple user for many years with an iMac, iPad and and iPhone. I don’t quite understand how Apple’s ecosystem is better over Google’s. The only part of Apple’s ecosystem I use is iMessage and Photos. Doesn’t Google have a similar ecosystem that’s just as good as Apple’s?

Privacy has a lot to do with it as well as well as "it just works"

This only really holds true as long as you all use all Apple hardware and software.

Google is more open but at a cost of privacy as they have more services, heaps of data they give u for free but at a cost of giving up your privacy and selling it to advertises in part. While Apple would charge u for the same amount of data.

 

[macher]

I’ve been an Apple user since the very first iPhone and got my first Mac about a year before the first iPhone.

I currently have a Mac, and iPad and an iPhone. I use my iPhone as my primary means. I hardly ever use my iPad anymore and only go on the Mac when I need to something that my iPhone can’t do which is very rare. I prefer the convenience of being as mobile as possible and don’t fill a need anymore for a desktop or a tablet.

So I’m not really in a need for having ecosystematic compatibility between devices. But my argument with those that don’t like iOS or Apple is the ecosystem, device compatibility between devices and different hardware which I don’t even use or need.

So my focus is having a smartphone and want the best and latest and greatest. Device compatibility between my Mac and iPad doesn’t interest me because I hardly ever use them, although I might want a smart watch in the future.

Reason I bring this up is a tech who I watch a lot who is an Apple fanboy admits the S8 is a better smartphone than the iPhone. But his argument is that no competitor is in the same league as seamless ecosystematic device compatibility. I’m not on that boat.

 

[DNichter]

It depends what you consider ecosystem, but I don't. When I think of ecosystem, I look at compatibility between devices and apps, accessory market, developer support, and high quality app releases. I think this is something Apple easily has Android beat on.

 

[macher]

It depends what you consider ecosystem, but I don't. When I think of ecosystem, I look at compatibility between devices and apps, accessory market, developer support, and high quality app releases. I think this is something Apple easily has Android beat on.

I think how Apple defines ecosystem is they design all their products to work seamlessly together across all their products, a family of products. Also the continuity between Mac OS and iOS.

But even though I have a Mac and iPad I hardly ever use them. I have to shake the dust off them when I do.

 

[DNichter]

I think how Apple defines ecosystem is they design all their products to work seamlessly together across all their products, a family of products. Also the continuity between Mac OS and iOS.

But even though I have a Mac and iPad I hardly ever use them. I have to shake the dust off them when I do.

You should sell them.

 

[eyoungren]

I have 2003-2006 era Macs. There is no compatibility.

I use third party services.
I have multiple computers available to me wherever I am 24/7.
My iPhone gets used as a phone.

So, Apple's ecosystem is highly overrated for me as there are things I either do not use, don't care about if I can't use or have alternatives for.

 

[macher]

Let me sort of rephrase. I’m not concerned about other products working together cause I don’t use my Mac and iPad hardly and use my iPhone 99% of the time.

With that being said I guess what I’m thinking is smartphone ONLY. Is the iPhone the best smartphone on the market?

 

[macher]

You should sell them.

Still will keep the Mac for the rare times I need it. But I’m still not concerned about it be compatible with my iPhone.

 

[DNichter]

Let me sort of rephrase. I’m not concerned about other products working together cause I don’t use my Mac and iPad hardly and use my iPhone 99% of the time.

With that being said I guess what I’m thinking is smartphone ONLY. Is the iPhone the best smartphone on the market?

It all comes down to OS preference. Hardware is becoming less and less critical although I feel Apple has some major advantages in this area (chip development, tighter control of components, core technologies). Ultimately it comes down to which software platform works for the individual.

 

[macher]

It all comes down to OS preference. Hardware is becoming less and less critical although I feel Apple has some major advantages in this area (chip development, tighter control of components, core technologies). Ultimately it comes down to which software platform works for the individual.

In this case I’m referring to iOS because I’m sure there are lots of people who don’t care about compatibility between there hardware. Almost everyone I know says I’m hardly ever on my computer anymore or iPad.

 

[vddobrev]

OP, the fact that you have devices that you don't use means that you do not have use-cases for them. You can check what I have in my signature, and I do use all devices on a daily basis for work an leisure. I can't even imagine to do my work on an iPhone, period. I am pretty satisfied with the Apple "ecosystem".

 

[147798]

I’ve been an Apple user since the very first iPhone and got my first Mac about a year before the first iPhone.

I currently have a Mac, and iPad and an iPhone. I use my iPhone as my primary means. I hardly ever use my iPad anymore and only go on the Mac when I need to something that my iPhone can’t do which is very rare. I prefer the convenience of being as mobile as possible and don’t fill a need anymore for a desktop or a tablet.

So I’m not really in a need for having ecosystematic compatibility between devices. But my argument with those that don’t like iOS or Apple is the ecosystem, device compatibility between devices and different hardware which I don’t even use or need.

So my focus is having a smartphone and want the best and latest and greatest. Device compatibility between my Mac and iPad doesn’t interest me because I hardly ever use them, although I might want a smart watch in the future.

Reason I bring this up is a tech who I watch a lot who is an Apple fanboy admits the S8 is a better smartphone than the iPhone. But his argument is that no competitor is in the same league as seamless ecosystematic device compatibility. I’m not on that boat.

I can't tell you what you should do, but after researching Android and playing around with it quite a bit, I've decided to stay on iOS for now. I think both platforms have their warts. If you just want a change, then an S8 might be the way to go, but you will just have different issues, and not eliminate issues.

For me, though, I do use devices together. Safari browser, answering my phone from my computer, and messaging from all 3 platforms (with integrated contacts). YMMV

 

[DNichter]

In this case I’m referring to iOS because I’m sure there are lots of people who don’t care about compatibility between there hardware. Almost everyone I know says I’m hardly ever on my computer anymore.

I guess I don't understand the question then.

 

[YaBe]

In this case I’m referring to iOS because I’m sure there are lots of people who don’t care about compatibility between there hardware. Almost everyone I know says I’m hardly ever on my computer anymore or iPad.

He was referring to Android or iOS, so it depends on what OS you prefere.

Both have pros and cons.... So it really depends on your preferences!

 

[macher]

OP, the fact that you have devices that you don't use means that you do not have use-cases for them. You can check what I have in my signature, and I do use all devices on a daily basis for work an leisure. I can't even imagine to do my work on an iPhone, period. I am pretty satisfied with the Apple "ecosystem".

I’m an average Joe. I can do everything I need to do on my iPhone as an average Joe.

 

[macher]

I can't tell you what you should do, but after researching Android and playing around with it quite a bit, I've decided to stay on iOS for now. I think both platforms have their warts. If you just want a change, then an S8 might be the way to go, but you will just have different issues, and not eliminate issues.

For me, though, I do use devices together. Safari browser, answering my phone from my computer, and messaging from all 3 platforms (with integrated contacts). YMMV

It’s not that I want to change.

 

[Jjayf]

If you use PC and android phones, there are ways to mimic the cross device ecosystem of Apple. I did it for years when I was resisting the Apple switch.
Once you get sucked in to Apple Music, Apple TV, and iTunes, and start working on documents and presentations, the ease of switching through devices become a bit more convenient. Couple that with using Mac and it’s even more appearant.
Is iPhone the best smartphone on the market? I can’t say for sure. It’s certainally not priced as a bargain. The note 8 looks way too large to be practical, but the S8 is attractive, especially for the lower price point.

 

[macher]

If you use PC and android phones, there are ways to mimic the cross device ecosystem of Apple. I did it for years when I was resisting the Apple switch.
Once you get sucked in to Apple Music, Apple TV, and iTunes, and start working on documents and presentations, the ease of switching through devices become a bit more convenient. Couple that with using Mac and it’s even more appearant.
Is iPhone the best smartphone on the market? I can’t say for sure. It’s certainally not priced as a bargain. The note 8 looks way too large to be practical, but the S8 is attractive, especially for the lower price point.

I use Spotify for Music. Docs and stuff I use Google services. On the rare occasion I use my Mac I use Google Chrome browser. On my iPhone I use Safari cause it’s simpler than Chrome. I prefer serves that are as cross platform as possible just in case. I hate iCloud.com on a desktop.

 

[147798]

I use Spotify for Music. Docs and stuff I use Google services. On the rare occasion I use my Mac I use Google Chrome browser. On my iPhone I use Safari cause it’s simpler than Chrome.

Sounds like you are all in on Google. If you don't like your iPhone, then why not try an S8. You could always switch back later.

But from what I've read, the Samsung skin is a little cumbersome, even though the HW is gorgeous. If you are going to go Android, shop around and make sure to check out all the options.

 

[macher]

Sounds like you are all in on Google. If you don't like your iPhone, then why not try an S8. You could always switch back later.

But from what I've read, the Samsung skin is a little cumbersome, even though the HW is gorgeous. If you are going to go Android, shop around and make sure to check out all the options.

Never said I don’t like my iPhone. My topic is more about those that don’t concern themselves with the ecosystem. Funny I would argue ecosystem and I don’t even use it or care about it. I’m sure there are lots of people who are the same.

 

[vddobrev]

I’m an average Joe. I can do everything I need to do on my iPhone as an average Joe.

Good! Then sell the iPad and the Mac, end of story. What were you trying to prove with your OP?