Yep, this on iOS with these possibilities would be really amazing. Just mirror the screen in iPad landscape view with dock, make it freescale and scale window manager (minimize, maximaze, close) layer around the apps. Make sure this supports FullHD, WQHD and native 4K and you'll have it. But this'll probably never be coming since it would decrase the Mac sales.
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I Switched To Android And I Have No Regrets
- Thread starter Dj64Mk7
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For those of you that switch back and forth how do you manage your overall experience? Apple photos vs google photos, Apple Watch vs wear watch, messages, AirPods, etc.
I’m really intrigued by the pixel 3a and nest hub max, to go with my nest thermostat, and maybe a nest doorbell can. I already pay $10/mo for iCloud photo storage and don’t want to double it because I want to try out a pixel.
I’m really intrigued by the pixel 3a and nest hub max, to go with my nest thermostat, and maybe a nest doorbell can. I already pay $10/mo for iCloud photo storage and don’t want to double it because I want to try out a pixel.
At the end of the day you need to put your data (contacts, calendars, photos etc etc etc) in a place that will interoperate with both OSs without issue. Essentially, you need to get everything out of iCloud into somewhere else. The moment you do this you can in fact, and I would highly suggest this, use whatever you like concurrently. The trick is to keep your stuff out of iCloud.
I am in this exact situation and can tell you its a lot more seamless then you think. I have 4 Nest Hubs in my house, 6 minis, and use Google Photos on my iOS devices. The pictures I take on my iPhone come across perfectly to the hubs as digital picture frames and look fantastic.
I also have a Nest Thermostat that is great and my doorbell is Nest as well and it all integrates well with apps on the iPhone and hubs across the house. I dont pay for any iOS storage and just use google photos for all my pictures.
I will say though I have not found an apple watch equivalent at all on Android and honestly dont think one exist so thats a big downfall if you value your apple watch very highly when using a Android. All other items are great!
I'll second the suggestions by @Infinite Vortex and @Cnasty. If you plan to switch platforms with any regularity, stay away from Apple's proprietary solutions, else be prepared for lot of manual synchronization. I now use Google services for most things (Gmail account to sync across Google apps and services on all platforms). I have my photo libraries synced on both iCloud Photos and Google Photos (at original quality) because I'm a bit paranoid about making sure my photo/video library is backed up (I actually have it backed up 5 different ways
). It is admittedly a pain in the ass though as I have to manually download and move any photos I have taken with my Pixel into iCloud Photos. If you preferred to invest in just one, Google Photos would be the easiest solution to use across all platforms . The cost of Google One storage (if you prefer to save your photos and videos in full original quality) is basically the same at iCloud storage. If you just want to try out the Pixel and see how you like Google Photos, opt for the free unlimited option that saves 'high quality' versions. I believe any photos =< 16MP and 1080P video will still be kept in original quality with that free tier...above that are compressed a bit. If you find that you ultimately prefer the Pixel, you can swap over to the paid tier for the same cost as you're spending on iCloud.
As for other services..I just use SMS/MMS via the Google Messages app on the Pixel (if you want to switch phones with any regularity, just shut off Apple Messages and send via SMS/MMS on the iPhone as well...it'll save you recurring headaches trying to de-register your number from Apple Messages and potential missed messages.). Lots here use 3rd party solutions like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger but I don't have any contacts that use WhatsApp and regardless, refuse to use any apps or services from Facebook.
AirPods work just fine across all platforms. You will just lose some of the Apple proprietary features (i.e. won't automatically stop music playback when you remove them and double-tap no longer works).
There is no equal to the Apple Watch on Android so just be prepared to go without it. I couldn't leave it behind so I have a second line for an iPhone that's paired to my watch with is also on a cellular plan, allowing me to wear my Apple Watch daily while still using a Pixel 3 XL. But I also am getting a steep discount on both of those lines and wouldn't do so otherwise.
It depends how frequently. I try a new Android device about once a year. Also, I don't do Watch so I can't provide feedback there.
Basically, whenever possible, use Google services (ie Google Drive) or platform neutral services (DropBox) over Apple Services. Apple Services are useless in Android (Apple's fault). Google Photos is an automatic (I would install it on your iPhone before you move to Android). Third party email apps are good if you don't use Gmail.
As far as the big hitter goes (iMessage), it's up to you depending on how often you plan to switch. If you switch more than once every two or three months, I would just leave iMessage off. On the other hand, it's not really a pain to disable iMessage, you just have to be certain to do it.
For those of you that switch back and forth how do you manage your overall experience?
Photos: Last year I exported everything from my (i-)Photo lib. and uploaded almost 1,2TB photos/videos to Google. I was amazed how good Googles people recognization works. Much better than (i)Photos, less manual fixing and tagging. It even got my grown daughter (1-11y) and even pictures of me from my childhood - puh 30years before - Crazy!
Documents: Wrote everything before on LibreOffice, so I can work on every system and even Google Office works well with everything on any OS.
Drive: Used all time GDrive... So everything is already on the right place ;-)
Watch: While testing not used any watch, later switched to one that supports NFC (Skagen Falster 2) for GPay support (150$).
Messages: That drives me crazy! Since almost every contact of me uses iMessage this is a mess. Temporary I use iMessage on my Android (via AirMessage) but that's not a long term option. I'm fine with Telegram messenger, but need to get all my contact to this.
Pay: No problem to switch from ApplePay to GPay - my bank supports both for luck.
AirPods: Works well with any BT device, so you may still use them.
Appreciate all the responses. Google photos is currently updating my library. Calendars may be trickier as my wife will never leave her iPhone. I may just use fb messenger as a messaging service, I don’t have a fb account but I hear you can still use it.
My wife and I actually use our Apple watches a lot for fitness and walkie-talkie so I think I will have to keep an iPhone as well. Scarily enough I think I can get the pixel 3a and a lower end iPhone for half of what the XS max cost, and I’d probably have more fun tinkering around.
My wife and I actually use our Apple watches a lot for fitness and walkie-talkie so I think I will have to keep an iPhone as well. Scarily enough I think I can get the pixel 3a and a lower end iPhone for half of what the XS max cost, and I’d probably have more fun tinkering around.
Calendars isn't terrible between iOS and Android.
I thought my wife would never leave iPhone, btw. She has a Pixel 3 now
Lol, yea I won’t be surprised if that happens someday. Problem is the sand boxing that happens over time. We have movies in iTunes, we both have Apple watches, 3 iPads for the kids, etc. it makes built in apps like iMessage and FaceTime easy to use. But crap like having to go to settings every 10 minutes to get back to my 5G WiFi, and not having a driving mode make the grass look a little greener sometimes. At least enough to want to give things a try. I say this quite often and still remain with Apple, but seeing what can be had for $400 is an eye opener.
That's probably mostly the point - the prices for Apple devices. My iPhone (a mobilephone) is more expensive than my MacBook - crazy. In the past there were really cool new features:
2G/Classic: The game changer
3GS: UMTS, iMessage (later with iOS), fast and smooth
4: Retina display
4S: Siri
5s: Touch-ID
6: NFC (Apple Pay)
X: Face-ID
After 5s everything was only bigger, faster, thinner,... Nothing really important except of NFC for Apple Pay. So the SE was with NFC the perfect player and not that expensive like the top notch ones. The SE would still do for me, unfortunately it dropped in the sea so I got an X. I don't really like Face-ID, Touch-ID worked much better for me, so the Huawei P20 seems to be almost perfect for me, almost same size, HW much better and the price - jesus christ "only" 400 bucks. The only problem is when you used everything in the Apple eco system to leave it - as you already told - messaging is a reason.
Edit: BTW, I love the feature to open multiple apps in the same time on my smartphone. Browing on two websites or having a website open and write an email.
2G/Classic: The game changer
3GS: UMTS, iMessage (later with iOS), fast and smooth
4: Retina display
4S: Siri
5s: Touch-ID
6: NFC (Apple Pay)
X: Face-ID
After 5s everything was only bigger, faster, thinner,... Nothing really important except of NFC for Apple Pay. So the SE was with NFC the perfect player and not that expensive like the top notch ones. The SE would still do for me, unfortunately it dropped in the sea so I got an X. I don't really like Face-ID, Touch-ID worked much better for me, so the Huawei P20 seems to be almost perfect for me, almost same size, HW much better and the price - jesus christ "only" 400 bucks. The only problem is when you used everything in the Apple eco system to leave it - as you already told - messaging is a reason.
Edit: BTW, I love the feature to open multiple apps in the same time on my smartphone. Browing on two websites or having a website open and write an email.
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I switch back and forth often. As a matter of fact, I am currently using my S9+, and debating if I should buy a S10+.
Earlier this week, I turned off iMessage and FaceTime. This certainly makes the move back and forth easier.
Still testing a few issue in Pie. In particular, not receiving icon notifications for Outlook emails (Office 365, work account).
If I am able to resolve the above issue, I will more than likely purchase an S10+ forthwith...
Earlier this week, I turned off iMessage and FaceTime. This certainly makes the move back and forth easier.
Still testing a few issue in Pie. In particular, not receiving icon notifications for Outlook emails (Office 365, work account).
If I am able to resolve the above issue, I will more than likely purchase an S10+ forthwith...
I'm even thinking about a switch to a S9+ just for Dex. Easy Projection/Desktop mode on Huawei is pretty awesome but still several things are missing for me; like switching Desktop resolution (WQHD), Desktop notifications and a overall more better desktop feeling. Desktop mode is very important for me to get rid of a real desktop system (here: MacBook).
I really enjoyed my time with the Galaxy S8 but honestly, a lot of that actually had to do with the hardware. It was the perfect size, had a headphone jack, and the screen was excellent, and build was ergonomically very comfy to watch videos in bed on.
Software wise, most get out of my way. I'm checking email and web browsing when using my phone. I think the default texting app for Samsung is hot garbage though.
I also have a huge catalog of games for iPhone and I'm not going to repurchase or find Google based solutions to them. Apps in general, not including Spotify and Reddit, seem way worse on Android as a general rule. It's not the biggest deal for me but, I can see how that would lock people to an iPhone.
Because I'm easily bored by things, I'll probably hop away from the XR to an Android device sometime in August which is my yearly 'Oh look education sales are on let's buy new gear' tradition. Then within a year I'm sure I'll be frustrated and hop right back on iPhone.
I wish I found a phone I liked as much as my iPhone 6+. That thing was a champ. Only got replaced because it got broke.
Software wise, most get out of my way. I'm checking email and web browsing when using my phone. I think the default texting app for Samsung is hot garbage though.
I also have a huge catalog of games for iPhone and I'm not going to repurchase or find Google based solutions to them. Apps in general, not including Spotify and Reddit, seem way worse on Android as a general rule. It's not the biggest deal for me but, I can see how that would lock people to an iPhone.
Because I'm easily bored by things, I'll probably hop away from the XR to an Android device sometime in August which is my yearly 'Oh look education sales are on let's buy new gear' tradition. Then within a year I'm sure I'll be frustrated and hop right back on iPhone.
I wish I found a phone I liked as much as my iPhone 6+. That thing was a champ. Only got replaced because it got broke.
Google photos today, is definitely better than photos on iPhone.
Yep on all devices only Google Photo, Even just for unlimited photos instead of an expensive iCloud Storage plan
I love the flexibility of google apps as I just went from a OP7 to a Pixel and it was like going from an iPhone to a new iPhone with how easy it loaded all my apps and such. Let alone one central location for my pics regardless of the device, iOS or Android.
About 1 month free of iOS and don't miss it one bit. Miss my AW a tad but the amazing Android notification process, the flexibility of these little things that just make you smile from the Pixel line. Love it
About 1 month free of iOS and don't miss it one bit. Miss my AW a tad but the amazing Android notification process, the flexibility of these little things that just make you smile from the Pixel line. Love it
I wish I could get rid of the iPhone. The iPhone is expensive and has poor battery life. But it is amazing to use, and no Android has ever come close. I have a Samsung S8 and I do not really like it.
Get a Fitbit Versa and it will 3 extra days and looks just like the Apple Watch. Lol
Looks.....toyish.
I think I am just going back to building my real watch collection like back in the day.
Garmin Fenix 5x Plus...love it. Great if you are into fitness/cycling/crossfit..etc. 2 week battery, smart notifications..etc. It is not a Apple Watch when it comes to integration or smartwatch features, but it is a great watch if you want a different experience anchored on fitness stuff.
It's too bad they neither have a viable tablet nor serious watch competitor. The problem is, Google hardware apparently isn't selling well, so they're cutting parts of their hardware division. Google should be building these things.
It’s a shame as the old nexus tablets, especially the 2nd gen nexus 7 were good. Not as good as an iPad but still pretty good. Now the only halfway decent android tablet is the galaxy tab S line.