I switched to iPhone after years of Android hell

[appledes7]

Tell that to newsstand and stocks... Finder for ios would get more use, guaranteed.

I know tons of people who use both of those. Granted they are older, but nonetheless put those apps to good use.

Might I also point out a flaw in your argument. Stocks and newstand, being cloud based apps, you can't accidentally delete files forever. A finder app on iOS, some people might get into it and not know what they are doing. They could accidentally permanently delete files they need. Or, a more likely situation, they could be using an app to edit a document. Then in Finder see a document named 3278-157ah37b (or some name they don't recognize) and not know what it is so delete it. Then once they open that app they used to edit the document see an error saying it can't find the file.

I know plenty of people who have had this happen to them on Android. They need to free up space so they think they will download a free file browser and delete the stuff they don't use. Except the problem is they don't know what files they use or don't use because the apps that use those files don't explicitly say. So they end up deleting files they want to keep. It may never happen to you or to me, but we do not represent the average consumer. And this has happened many times to people I consider average consumers.

Having a completely open file system that is shared between all apps paints a pretty picture. But it opens up huge problems to the average consumer that can ultimately hurt the user experience.

Convince me how accidentally deleting files you need brings a good user experience and I will say you are right. Good luck.

 

[Lloydbm41]

I know tons of people who use both of those. Granted they are older, but nonetheless put those apps to good use.

Might I also point out a flaw in your argument. Stocks and newstand, being cloud based apps, you can't accidentally delete files forever. A finder app on iOS, some people might get into it and not know what they are doing. They could accidentally permanently delete files they need. Or, a more likely situation, they could be using an app to edit a document. Then in Finder see a document named 3278-157ah37b (or some name they don't recognize) and not know what it is so delete it. Then once they open that app they used to edit the document see an error saying it can't find the file.

I know plenty of people who have had this happen to them on Android. They need to free up space so they think they will download a free file browser and delete the stuff they don't use. Except the problem is they don't know what files they use or don't use because the apps that use those files don't explicitly say. So they end up deleting files they want to keep. It may never happen to you or to me, but we do not represent the average consumer. And this has happened many times to people I consider average consumers.

Having a completely open file system that is shared between all apps paints a pretty picture. But it opens up huge problems to the average consumer that can ultimately hurt the user experience.

Convince me how accidentally deleting files you need brings a good user experience and I will say you are right. Good luck.

You paint a very bleak picture of the average user. But I am still not convinced how having access to the main file directory on an iPad or iPhone is a hinderance to the user experience.

In the end, I guess it doesn't matter. Apple will do what they do and we have to live with it if we want to use their products. In fact, I pretty much bypass Apple and save my files to Skydrive (er, OneDrive I mean) and Google Drive, and I can access and use those files on any device. It's not as convenient as saving to local directories, especially when there is no access to the internet, but it is the best option right now.

 

[cynics]

I switched to iPhone after years of Android hell

Understanding a concept doesn't mean it is the end all solution on every device. Some concepts just aren't ideal for different device form factors. That is what people here keep forgetting.

I think we are just misunderstanding each other or something.

In iOS currently. When you want to open a file with in an app you have to browse a mini file system that designed by the app. You can't generally organize it, they generally aren't designed well, you can't easily share it, and it's easy to forget which miniature file system (app) you are looking for.

I just don't get what is better about this mini messy file systems then one unified system.

It's messy to have one file saved twice so another app can use it. It's hilarious when photo editing between apps. I have had a single photo saved 5-6 times going through apps on it's way to Instagram. It easy to see this in the unified photo folder. It's not with other files because it's not unified the same file is spread out through apps, hidden in their own little file systems.

And no I'm not talking system access. Like Android has, a download folder. You can completely delete every single file without affecting the system. Then if you wish download a file manager to better organize them.

 

[gotluck]

Convince me how accidentally deleting files you need brings a good user experience and I will say you are right. Good luck.

Like I said hide the feature behind warnings and require some fancy procedure to activate it. The world would be a sad place if everything babysat people as much as ios. No progress..

No manual cars, you might break it! Automatic only!

 

[Septembersrain]

I think they should give the user the ability to add or remove certain system apps. Like stocks for example...

 

[jrswizzle]

I think we are just misunderstanding each other or something.

In iOS currently. When you want to open a file with in an app you have to browse a mini file system that designed by the app. You can't generally organize it, they generally aren't designed well, you can't easily share it, and it's easy to forget which miniature file system (app) you are looking for.

I just don't get what is better about this mini messy file systems then one unified system.

It's messy to have one file saved twice so another app can use it. It's hilarious when photo editing between apps. I have had a single photo saved 5-6 times going through apps on it's way to Instagram. It easy to see this in the unified photo folder. It's not with other files because it's not unified the same file is spread out through apps, hidden in their own little file systems.

And no I'm not talking system access. Like Android has, a download folder. You can completely delete every single file without affecting the system. Then if you wish download a file manager to better organize them.

That says more about the user than the system.

Get rid of redundancies and voila! I don't have any of these issues because I use one app per task. Why one would pull a picture through 5 different apps on its way to Instagram is beyond me and isn't a product of the system itself.

 

[gotluck]

That says more about the user than the system.

Get rid of redundancies and voila! I don't have any of these issues because I use one app per task. Why one would pull a picture through 5 different apps on its way to Instagram is beyond me and isn't a product of the system itself.

Meh, let him do what he wants

You'd think that what we are asking for is the most unreasonable thing ever, sheesh

 

[jrswizzle]

Meh, let him do what he wants

You'd think that what we are asking for is the most unreasonable thing ever, sheesh

Lol....oh of course he can do whatever he wants.

Just throwing my views on the matter in the mix. This topic has been beat to death though....September/October can't get here soon enough!

 

[(Chanticleer)]

Welcome back, I used an Android phone way back, before the added smoothness and functionality. I am on Verizon and was stuck for many years, then the iPhone finally made its way and I never looked back. They are both good platforms and come down to personal preference. Android does feel a little cheap though.

 

[gotluck]

Lol....oh of course he can do whatever he wants.

Just throwing my views on the matter in the mix. This topic has been beat to death though....September/October can't get here soon enough!

I know I hear ya , admittedly i rage pretty hard on this topic. (File system/ lack of freedom)

I feel like ios has so much more potential and it is stifled by lockdown and 'ease of use'.

It can make me feel like a caged monkey.

 

[Robster3]

Most android phones are cheap plastic and when released are around the same price as a iPhone anyway. Then they just drop in price to half within 6 months, so re sale would be about 1/4 of what you paid if it lasts. And as far as contracts go who would do a 2 year contract with one v a iPhone, i do 2 years with a iphone and if i want the new one a year later i just sell and add a bit to get it, keep that one for a year and then get the next new one on a 2 year contract. Wouldn't be feasible with a android phone.
The only one i would consider is the Note 3 it has a nice feel to it

 

[albertfallickwa]

Most android phones are cheap plastic and when released are around the same price as a iPhone anyway. Then they just drop in price to half within 6 months, so re sale would be about 1/4 of what you paid if it lasts. And as far as contracts go who would do a 2 year contract with one v a iPhone, i do 2 years with a iphone and if i want the new one a year later i just sell and add a bit to get it, keep that one for a year and then get the next new one on a 2 year contract. Wouldn't be feasible with a android phone.
The only one i would consider is the Note 3 it has a nice feel to it

HTC One much better built than the Note 3.

 

[appledes7]

You paint a very bleak picture of the average user. But I am still not convinced how having access to the main file directory on an iPad or iPhone is a hinderance to the user experience.

In the end, I guess it doesn't matter. Apple will do what they do and we have to live with it if we want to use their products. In fact, I pretty much bypass Apple and save my files to Skydrive (er, OneDrive I mean) and Google Drive, and I can access and use those files on any device. It's not as convenient as saving to local directories, especially when there is no access to the internet, but it is the best option right now.

I think we are just misunderstanding each other or something.

In iOS currently. When you want to open a file with in an app you have to browse a mini file system that designed by the app. You can't generally organize it, they generally aren't designed well, you can't easily share it, and it's easy to forget which miniature file system (app) you are looking for.

I just don't get what is better about this mini messy file systems then one unified system.

It's messy to have one file saved twice so another app can use it. It's hilarious when photo editing between apps. I have had a single photo saved 5-6 times going through apps on it's way to Instagram. It easy to see this in the unified photo folder. It's not with other files because it's not unified the same file is spread out through apps, hidden in their own little file systems.

And no I'm not talking system access. Like Android has, a download folder. You can completely delete every single file without affecting the system. Then if you wish download a file manager to better organize them.

Like I said hide the feature behind warnings and require some fancy procedure to activate it. The world would be a sad place if everything babysat people as much as ios. No progress..

No manual cars, you might break it! Automatic only!

Even on a tech-centric website, people aren't demanding a file system.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1708798/

Only 4 options are related to software, and of those 4 a file system isn't even on top. Remember, even these people are more tech savvy than the average user. If slightly more tech savvy users aren't even demanding a file system, how can you argue that the average consumer would want it?

EDIT: At the time of writing this, a file system doesn't even reach 8% with more tech savvy users as the most wanted feature. This statistic would be even lower to the average consumer. You can talk all you want about what you think is needed, but the facts speak for themselves, it just isn't necessary.

EDIT 2: File system access is now below 7%. This definitely isn't helping anyone's case

 

[gotluck]

Well I suppose iOS just may not be the place for me.

Never saw that poll BTW. Try asking that question on an android board to iOS converts or even this forums subsection. Half of those things have nothing to do with software. And why do you have to pick one thing, I would vote for everything.

That's a completely different question than asking people if theyd like some access to the file system. Hell even I would choose a larger screen on the iPhone first.

 

[Infinite Jest]

Even on a tech-centric website, people aren't demanding a file system.
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1708798/

Only 4 options are related to software, and of those 4 a file system isn't even on top. Remember, even these people are more tech savvy than the average user. If slightly more tech savvy users aren't even demanding a file system, how can you argue that the average consumer would want it?

EDIT: At the time of writing this, a file system doesn't even reach 8% with more tech savvy users as the most wanted feature. This statistic would be even lower to the average consumer. You can talk all you want about what you think is needed, but the facts speak for themselves, it just isn't necessary.

EDIT 2: File system access is now below 7%. This definitely isn't helping anyone's case

You realize that there is a grand total of 25 participants in that poll, right?

 

[appledes7]

You realize that there is a grand total of 25 participants in that poll, right?

1. Let me quote part of the original post:

Not at all supposed to be scientific or anything like that.

2. You messed up on your basic math skills.

3. Nobody said this was supposed to reach tons of people. So you can try and shoot it down all you want. But where is your evidence to support your side? Oh you don't have any? Ok, move along.

 

[Lloydbm41]

That's a completely different question than asking people if theyd like some access to the file system. Hell even I would choose a larger screen on the iPhone first.

You realize that there is a grand total of 25 participants in that poll, right?

3. Nobody said this was supposed to reach tons of people. So you can try and shoot it down all you want. But where is your evidence to support your side? Oh you don't have any? Ok, move along.

Let's see what happens in our own MacRumors Poll. Go here and vote:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1709177/

 

[technology&stuf]

Let's see what happens in our own MacRumors Poll. Go here and vote:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1709177/

Ask on a tech-centric website if tech savvy people want a feature widely considered to be more for tech savvy users? Gee, I wonder what will happen.

 

[appledes7]

Let's see what happens in our own MacRumors Poll. Go here and vote:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1709177/

I find it funny that one person who said "yes" said there is a condition, that it doesn't work like iFile (the jailbreak app people continue to bring up on here saying that they want). That person suggests limiting it so that is makes more sense for average consumers. Looks like one person has his head on straight.

Also, the other poll offers multiple options to see how high this kind of feature ranks, which puts a much better picture on this. You know how high this feature ranks when competing with others? Not very high.

 

[fchowd0696]

They are both good platforms and come down to personal preference. Android does feel a little cheap though.

How does an operating system feel cheap?

 

[jrswizzle]

Let's see what happens in our own MacRumors Poll. Go here and vote:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1709177/

I personally feel that something like the "Finder" concept posted in that thread would be ideal and would meet the expectations I listed previously in this thread.

Easy to see, use and understand. NO system file access. No "folders". Just a file (docs, pdfs, pics, vids...) view sortable by app the file is saved in (would be easy to see and delete dupes) and tags (a good way to tie those into iOS).

Again - let's move away from this decades old way of viewing and saving files....Keep the current save and storage methods the same (within the apps) - just give the user a way to view and organize files without going into the apps.

 

[gotluck]

I personally feel that something like the "Finder" concept posted in that thread would be ideal and would meet the expectations I listed previously in this thread.

Easy to see, use and understand. NO system file access. No "folders". Just a file (docs, pdfs, pics, vids...) view sortable by app the file is saved in (would be easy to see and delete dupes) and tags (a good way to tie those into iOS).

Again - let's move away from this decades old way of viewing and saving files....Keep the current save and storage methods the same (within the apps) - just give the user a way to view and organize files without going into the apps.

I don't really care how its done yea, just give all apps access to a shared pool of files. The ability to download files into that shared pool would be nice too. Like from safari, not just mail.

I'm not sure that your suggestion would allow apps to work on the same file though, which is what I am going for

inter-app communication in ios is poor

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Also, the other poll offers multiple options to see how high this kind of feature ranks, which puts a much better picture on this. You know how high this feature ranks when competing with others? Not very high.

It's not really fair to put this up against a larger screen, which most people would pick inlcuding myself

And I think we've been clear that noone expects apple to give root/system access through the file system, or anywhere. A restricted ifile is what we've been talking about the whole time.

 

[appledes7]

It's not really fair to put this up against a larger screen, which most people would pick inlcuding myself

And I think we've been clear that noone expects apple to give root/system access through the file system, or anywhere. A restricted ifile is what we've been talking about the whole time.

Its totally fair. An average user looking at new devices won't differentiate between hardware improvements or software improvements. They will simply see improvements as a whole.

It also tells us that file system access isn't a big deal. Compared with so many other options, file system access isn't close to being on top.

And no, people have been comparing file system access to wanting it like Android. So I believe you are mistaken when you say everybody has been talking about a dumbed down version of iFile "the whole time." Because that is simply not true.

 

[gotluck]

Its totally fair. An average user looking at new devices won't differentiate between hardware improvements or software improvements. They will simply see improvements as a whole.

It also tells us that file system access isn't a big deal. Compared with so many other options, file system access isn't close to being on top.

And no, people have been comparing file system access to wanting it like Android. So I believe you are mistaken when you say everybody has been talking about a dumbed down version of iFile "the whole time." Because that is simply not true.

android does not have root/system access out of the box... it is restricted
ifile has root/system access only becuase the jailbreak = rooting

you make me wonder if you really have used android devices

And I dont understand your justification for only implementing the most requested feature at all.. especially since file system access would require very little work because its already there.

 

[appledes7]

you make me wonder if you really have used android devices

You know, you could easily figure that out by going through my past posts and seeing videos I've posted showing bugs in Android. But with your bias I have a feeling you won't take too kindly to someone showing a problem with your precious mobile OS

And I dont understand your justification for only implementing the most requested feature at all..

Care to pinpoint where I said that the feature to be implemented should only be the most requested one? I have not made such a limitation. I have not at all said only one feature should be added. That is you making stuff up.

especially since file system access would require very little work because its already there.

You say the file system is already there, but then say you want something that doesn't work like a full file system. Stop going around in circles and make up your mind. Do you want a full file system like you have stated multiple times in the past? Or do you want a limited version that has now become your new argument since you can't keep anything straight?

----------

Sorry buddy, but a file system just isn't necessary and isn't something that a lot of average consumers want. Move along now little fella.