Leaving the Apple Ecosystem?

[RMD68]

Personally I hate dealing with iTunes.
Just too limited in dealing with files. So frustrating!

I honestly tried to use iTunes again after 2 years away from using an iPhone and the frustration of using it is killing me.
Using Android is so much easier.

A lot of people say that iTunes is a pain in the ass. I've never had a an issue with it. What is the big deal with iTunes?

 

[blairh]

A lot of people say that iTunes is a pain in the ass. I've never had a an issue with it. What is the big deal with iTunes?

It's an archaic way of handling music. You are better off uploading your music to Google Music. Pin what you want for local use. No need to keep your music on your computer unless you really want to.

As for 3rd party launchers, I can't speaker for all of them, but Nova will not slow down your device. Bloatware isn't a big deal IMO. You can disable and hide most apps that you will never use.

 

[McGiord]

It's an archaic way of handling music. You are better off uploading your music to Google Music. Pin what you want for local use. No need to keep your music on your computer unless you really want to.

As for 3rd party launchers, I can't speaker for all of them, but Nova will not slow down your device. Bloatware isn't a big deal IMO. You can disable and hide most apps that you will never use.

If you use iTunes Match there is no need to sync at all.

I think Apple may be developing something better for handling a new/next gen music format that will provide superior sound quality.

 

[McGiord]

you knew for what....
you said


Based on what? Sources? Has it been released yet? Has Apples been released yet? So how do you know or are just talking out your.......
That is why people ask for a source...because unless you are making statements/opinions based off of facts. You are just talking out your.......
and everyone has one of those and they all smell.....

I will give it another try.
Based on my thoughts.
Source: McGiord
How do I know: because I know McGiord.

Facts: Yes it is a fact that this is coming from my brain.

random sources to please people with smell issues

 

[jamezr]

I will give it another try.
Based on my thoughts.
Source: McGiord
How do I know: because I know McGiord.

Facts: Yes it is a fact that this is coming from my brain.

random sources to please people with smell issues

Thanks! Thats what i figured!

 

[blairh]

If you use iTunes Match there is no need to sync at all.

I think Apple may be developing something better for handling a new/next gen music format that will provide superior sound quality.

Still requires you to use iTunes. And it's a $25 per year charge. Google Music is free. If you don't want to upload via a browser their software is simply a synced folder.

 

[thering1975]

Also google music via desktop will not upload your music if it has an exact match on its server all ready meaning you don't waste time uploading their files will appear in your music collection

 

[irnchriz]

Just had an experience which reminded me NOT to return to Apple:

I D/L a multi page PDF with my PC from the web and put it into my NAS

On the iPad I open the NAS software and I could open and read the PDF, but not move it iBooks

Same with the browser, I can surf to the NAS, read the PDF but not move it to iBooks.

From the PC I had to move the PDF to Dropbox (right, it can't be done from iPad either), then open it in Dropbox and finally get it into iBooks.

And did you notice you can't rename a file in crappy iBooks?

My next iPad will certainly not be from Apple.

(And since I use my iPad mainly for video and iOS has no torrent client....)

You should try jailbreaking the iPad, then you can get a torrent client to keep you in pirate videos.

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Forgive me. The only time I've used an Android phone is at the store. Let me rephrase what I think could be a pain in the ass.

If one doesn't like TouchWiz, the can use a custom rom, but I think keeping something like that operating smooth(ly) would be a chore.

Transferring files requires third party tools. One can no longer use iTunes as the main tool. It seems as if this could be a chore too.

Even if someone doesn't use a custom rom, they still use other launchers and programs that are 3rd party. These programs may not be as stable and as easy to keep updated as the programs on iOS.

As I said, I am a complete noob with non-iOS devices, so I'm trying to decipher what I read in regard to the benefits of an Android device. Although I like the idea of a greater opportunity for "customization," I question whether that will become old as I long for the apple simplicity and ecosystem. I would like to have my own system, but not as the cost of annoyance.

----------

If one were to go the complete custom route, doesn't it make sense to get the Android phone that has the best tech specs over the best stock Andoid UI?

Which Android phones offer the best tech specs?

-Camera
-Overall Power
-Speed

The Moto X and HTC M8 get good write-ups at the moment. I think the Moto X is pretty much running stock android with a few extra bits here and there for the camera etc. http://www.theverge.com/2014/9/8/6121143/motorola-moto-x-2014-new-review

 

[RickInHouston]

If you use iTunes Match there is no need to sync at all.

I think Apple may be developing something better for handling a new/next gen music format that will provide superior sound quality.

That's the rub. apple fans are always waiting for something. Waiting for a file system. Waiting to cut the cord. Waiting for a larger phone. Waiting for NFC. Waiting for wireless charging. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting.

But they love their phone.

 

[chagla]

My integration:

-Only use Apple desktops and laptops
-Only have iTune store music
- .Mac email
-NOT heavily invested in apps
-NOT heavily invested in Videos

Switching for you would be very simple actually. Android has nothing to do with your pc/mac platform. as a matter of fact you will barely need to connect android phone to pc/mac.

since android allows file access system, you can use all the GBs as you see fit. it shows up as removable storage, so you can copy paste any file on any computer, with or without wires (using app like Airdroid) or special software. using this airdroid app, you can actually do nearly everything without touching your phone, simply using wifi connection - send/reply sms, backup, etc.

it sounds like you will simply need a gmail account if you dont' have any. importing itunes music library is also pretty straightforward and easy. in addition there are anrdoid apps that could sync your itunes library.

 

[bandrews]

A lot of people say that iTunes is a pain in the ass. I've never had a an issue with it. What is the big deal with iTunes?

On Mac, there are no problems. On Windows is it a hideous, bulky, prehistoric mess.

Buy a second hand Android off eBay or maybe a new Moto G. Cheap way to have a play around with the platform. If you don't like it, sell it on for a small hit.

I'm Apple through and through and all my shiny devices talk nicely to each other in the same language. However, as has been said before, there are so many third party apps and cloud services that whether you are running Android or iOS is now immaterial. Just comes down to preference.

One thing I wasn't too keen on when I dabbled with a Nexus 7 was the backup system. It may have changed now but then you could only back up which apps you had but no data or settings. All app data was lost - which was a pain.

Must say, the Moto X and Galaxy Alpha do have me very interested.

P.S. Don't go WP. I've strayed a couple of times (Lumia 800 and 630). It's good but some aspects really make you want to headbutt a rusty spike.

----------

[/B]

That's the rub. apple fans are always waiting for something. Waiting for a file system. Waiting to cut the cord. Waiting for a larger phone. Waiting for NFC. Waiting for wireless charging. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting.

But they love their phone.

A little childish and unnecessary.

 

[RMD68]

On Mac, there are no problems. On Windows is it a hideous, bulky, prehistoric mess.

Buy a second hand Android off eBay or maybe a new Moto G. Cheap way to have a play around with the platform. If you don't like it, sell it on for a small hit.

I'm Apple through and through and all my shiny devices talk nicely to each other in the same language. However, as has been said before, there are so many third party apps and cloud services that whether you are running Android or iOS is now immaterial. Just comes down to preference.

One thing I wasn't too keen on when I dabbled with a Nexus 7 was the backup system. It may have changed now but then you could only back up which apps you had but no data or settings. All app data was lost - which was a pain.

Must say, the Moto X and Galaxy Alpha do have me very interested.

P.S. Don't go WP. I've strayed a couple of times (Lumia 800 and 630). It's good but some aspects really make you want to headbutt a rusty spike.

I've never synced anything with my phone via iTunes on Windows. I allowed iTunes one of my Windows partitions to access my music, but that's all I've done with iTunes on Windows.

Are that many of the people posting about iTunes being a pain in the ass referring to their experience with mainly using iTunes on Windows? I doubt it. I assume that most of the files those people are having trouble with aren't all legal files. Otherwise, I've never had an issue syncing any legit file with my iPhone either through iTunes or OTA.

I don't have a valid need for a backup phone right now, so what would be a valid reason for having an Android as my go-to-phone?

Again, I'm not saying that there aren't a lot of options with Android phones, but purchasing a phone that requires disabling bloatware, installing 3rd party launcher, or rotting the phone to have it perform as expected doesn't seem worth it or a good use of time.

What else am I missing?

 

[ggibson913]

I haven't been impressed with iOS8 and the iPhone 6. I do not own the iPhone 6, but I do own an iPhone 5 and an iPad 3 that were upgraded to iOS8. I have only tested the iPhone 6 as fas as one can at the store. I don't think Apple makes groundbreaking products anymore, but I am heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem, so it's hard to switch. I also remember all the years of non-Apple products that I used in the late 90s and early millennium that couldn't hold a candle to the second Steve Job's era, so it's also hard for me to give other devices a chance.

Let me summarize my issues with switching:

-Losing the Apple ecosystem and integration
-Apply stability and customer service
-Heavily invested in the apple ecosystem
-Are custom roms/UI all they are cracked up to be?

I'm tech savvy and I'm not a neo-luddite, but I haven't been given conclusive support for Android phones being good alternatives. I know they aren't bad phones, but aside from being able to "customize an Android," what else does it actually offer that doesn't turn into a pain in the ass?

I plan to check out the Note 4 today at a local Best Buy, so I look forward to hearing all of your opinions.

Thanks!

Give Android a shot. I was curious last May and I pulled the trigger on an Android phone. I did use AT&T Next 12 in case I wanted to switch back but I am enjoying many features of Android. I was tempted by the new 6 but gonna wait it out for Android L and see what happens.

 

[bandrews]

I've never synced anything with my phone via iTunes on Windows. I allowed iTunes one of my Windows partitions to access my music, but that's all I've done with iTunes on Windows.

Are that many of the people posting about iTunes being a pain in the ass referring to their experience with mainly using iTunes on Windows? I doubt it. I assume that most of the files those people are having trouble with aren't all legal files. Otherwise, I've never had an issue syncing any legit file with my iPhone either through iTunes or OTA.

I don't have a valid need for a backup phone right now, so what would be a valid reason for having an Android as my go-to-phone?

Again, I'm not saying that there aren't a lot of options with Android phones, but purchasing a phone that requires disabling bloatware, installing 3rd party launcher, or rotting the phone to have it perform as expected doesn't seem worth it or a good use of time.

What else am I missing?

I was just suggesting it so you could have a go with it as your main phone whilst maintaining an iOS safety net.

The Nexus 5 and Moto X/G are some of the least bloated Android phones out there offering a pretty pure Android experience. You don't HAVE to install a 3rd party launcher or root it.

It just sounds like you're making excuses why NOT to like Android. You won't know until you've tried living with it and the cheapest way to do that without completely jumping ship is to buy a second hand or lower cost Android device.

You can spend hours reading (mostly) subjective discussion about the pros and cons of one OS over the other but you really won't know until you've tried it so just get on with it!

 

[viskon]

Again, I'm not saying that there aren't a lot of options with Android phones, but purchasing a phone that requires disabling bloatware, installing 3rd party launcher, or rotting the phone to have it perform as expected doesn't seem worth it or a good use of time.

What else am I missing?

These are optional. You can install a new launcher (which is just down loading an app), disable bloatware or root the phone IF you need to. You don't HAVE to . As someone suggested above, if you can get a cheap Android and play with it for a while, you might get a better idea of your own preferences.

 

[RMD68]

I was just suggesting it so you could have a go with it as your main phone whilst maintaining an iOS safety net.

The Nexus 5 and Moto X/G are some of the least bloated Android phones out there offering a pretty pure Android experience. You don't HAVE to install a 3rd party launcher or root it.

It just sounds like you're making excuses why NOT to like Android. You won't know until you've tried living with it and the cheapest way to do that without completely jumping ship is to buy a second hand or lower cost Android device.

You can spend hours reading (mostly) subjective discussion about the pros and cons of one OS over the other but you really won't know until you've tried it so just get on with it!

I wasn't trying to argue with you. In fact, I liked the response you left me.

As I said when I started the thread, It's not that I wouldn't leave iOS and the Apple ecosystem. I said that I haven't heard any compelling evidence to leave iOS and the Apple ecosystem. I also said that I haven't been as enamored with current Apple offering as I have in the past.

What I've read:

-iTunes is a pain
-Android Customization
-Syncing isn't an issue due to third party apps
-Root Access

I understand this is a simplification, but those 4 key point pretty much sum up the overwhelming majority of pro-Android responses on every source of information I've read (i.e. not just on Mac Rumors).

My responses to those 4 key points:

-How is iTunes a pain?
-What does a custom launcher over bloatware have over iOS? Is it not a pain keeping all up to date?
-Is syncing as effective as in the Apple ecosystem? What's the upside?
-If I have to think about rooting my device to make it worth it's weight in salt, why wouldn't I stick with an iPhone?

I'm not saying there aren't great benefits to Android. I'm also not saying that Apple is anywhere near as innovative or cutting edge as it was during the Steve Job's era; however, I've seen very little advantage explained aside from having a second device with which to tinker. I don't plan on having a second device.

----------

These are optional. You can install a new launcher (which is just down loading an app), disable bloatware or root the phone IF you need to. You don't HAVE to . As someone suggested above, if you can get a cheap Android and play with it for a while, you might get a better idea of your own preferences.

I understand that an Android phone will still make calls and check the web with its respective stock UI, so yes, you don't need to do anything, but...

The consistent mantra I've read in regard to the advantage of Android over iOS is the great features one has when they disable the bloateware, install a custom launcher, and root the phone.

I'm already confused with the benefits after one does all those things, so I certainly am missing the advantage of Android over iOS when someone sticks with the stock UI.

 

[blairh]

OP right now you are your own worst enemy. You seem to have this one single vision of how to use an Android phone and you are sticking by that mindset as you think this all out.

You do not need to disable bloatware, install a launcher, and root your phone to properly enjoy an Android device. So just get that out of your head. I don't know a single person personally who roots their Android device.

Disabling bloatware is pretty fast and painless. You don't have to use a 3rd party launcher. And if you choose to, it's not going to slow down your phone or be a hinderance in any way. Neither of these things should stop you from trying Android.

If you have no issues using iTunes, great. The point is there are ways to manage your music with Android that are dead simple and perhaps just as easy if not better than iTunes.

As I've said before, my enjoyment of Android goes beyond that. I prefer Android's notification system versus iOS. I prefer having the option to pull down my notification shade by swiping down anywhere on my homescreen. I prefer having an app drawer and determining the grid size for apps in my drawer and folders. These are things I grew to love as I started to use Android. You may end up liking things about Android once you start using it. Everybody is different.

Also, as I stated previously, you have many choices when it comes to hardware with Android. Right now if you want the latest from Apple in a close to 5" variety you have only one choice.

I'll echo what others have said recently. If you are curious about Android, simply try it. You won't be able to create an opinion about it until you actually start using it daily. If the reasons brought to you in this thread don't tempt you to try it, then don't.

P.S.

"Is it not a pain keeping all up to date?
-Is syncing as effective as in the Apple ecosystem?"

A pain keeping what up to date? I still don't understand what you are getting at here. Apps auto update just like iOS.

Syncing what exactly?

 

[Surface2Owner]

I was an all Apple person/ecosystem about three and half years ago. The switch isn't as hard as you would think. Every platform has its benefits and negatives. I honestly don't think it matters what platform a person chooses anymore so long as it's right for them.

To me, laptops, smartphones and tablets have been commoditized to the extent that there is real no advantage to any one platform. So long as there is no overriding compatibility issue, it comes down to personal preference and whether you want to spend a premium for certain brands or not.

 

[RMD68]

OP right now you are your own worst enemy. You seem to have this one single vision of how to use an Android phone and you are sticking by that mindset as you think this all out.

You do not need to disable bloatware, install a launcher, and root your phone to properly enjoy an Android device. So just get that out of your head. I don't know a single person personally who roots their Android device.

Disabling bloatware is pretty fast and painless. You don't have to use a 3rd party launcher. And if you choose to, it's not going to slow down your phone or be a hinderance in any way. Neither of these things should stop you from trying Android.

If you have no issues using iTunes, great. The point is there are ways to manage your music with Android that are dead simple and perhaps just as easy if not better than iTunes.

As I've said before, my enjoyment of Android goes beyond that. I prefer Android's notification system versus iOS. I prefer having the option to pull down my notification shade by swiping down anywhere on my homescreen. I prefer having an app drawer and determining the grid size for apps in my drawer and folders. These are things I grew to love as I started to use Android. You may end up liking things about Android once you start using it. Everybody is different.

Also, as I stated previously, you have many choices when it comes to hardware with Android. Right now if you want the latest from Apple in a close to 5" variety you have only one choice.

I'll echo what others have said recently. If you are curious about Android, simply try it. You won't be able to create an opinion about it until you actually start using it daily. If the reasons brought to you in this thread don't tempt you to try it, then don't.

The thing is responses like yours are few and far between. At least you said some actual features.

Isn't there a lot of fragmentation in the Android market? I don't see how one phone would be good for choosing another.

In regard to syncing and being up-to-date:

-All my music is on iTunes

-I don't even need to connect to my computer or a third party program to completely sync my apps and media to my phone or tablet

-My SMS, emails, pictures, apps, etc. automatically update on all my devices

-Which is easier? Having one update, a uniform iOS update, or making sure Google updates Android, your phone manufacturer updates their software, and thirds party apps being up to date to get the most out of your device?

-Yosemite is supposed to have really good iOS integration features

 

[blairh]

The thing is responses like yours are few and far between. At least you said some actual features.

Isn't there a lot of fragmentation in the Android market? I don't see how one phone would be good for choosing another.

In regard to syncing and being up-to-date:

-All my music is on iTunes

-I don't even need to connect to my computer or a third party program to completely sync my apps and media to my phone or tablet

-My SMS, emails, pictures, apps, etc. automatically update on all my devices

-Which is easier? Having one update, and iOS update, or making sure Google updates Android, your phone manufacturer updates their software, and thirds party apps being up to date to get the most out of your device?

-Yosemite is supposed to have really good iOS integration features

Your safest bets for obtaining the latest Android operating system the quickest are the Nexus line, Google Play edition devices, and Motorola.

Getting all your music from iTunes uploaded to Google Music would be a pretty easy thing to accomplish. You can Google it for directions.

I'm pretty sure syncing apps with your tablet (assuming it's an iPad) is simply not going to happen as we are discussing two completely different app markets. Personally I use an iPad daily and it's a non-issue for me. The majority, if not all the apps you use on an Android device, can also be found on an iPad. I also don't use all the same apps on a mobile device as I do on a tablet. So if you want to sync an Android phone to an iPad, I don't think it's possible app-wise, unless you simply go down the list and make sure you have the same apps on both devices.

I personally don't want/need to mirror my SMS messages onto my tablet. If you want to do this, someone else can chime in or perhaps there are 3rd party apps that do this. Honestly OP alot of your questions are a Google search away. This probably is the same with photos too. If you use Gmail your email will sync across all platforms. If you insist on using a Mac email address I don't know.

As I said before, getting the latest operating system running on your phone is an advantage Apple has here. Unless you go Nexus or Motorola or a Google Play edition device you aren't guaranteed the latest and greatest immediately. Your apps will update automatically just as iOS ones do too. This specific issue is irrelevant.

If you want to use Yosemite's iOS integration features, there really isn't much to say to this. Stay with iOS.

 

[bandrews]

I wasn't trying to argue with you. In fact, I liked the response you left me.

As I said when I started the thread, It's not that I wouldn't leave iOS and the Apple ecosystem. I said that I haven't heard any compelling evidence to leave iOS and the Apple ecosystem. I also said that I haven't been as enamored with current Apple offering as I have in the past.

What I've read:

-iTunes is a pain
-Android Customization
-Syncing isn't an issue due to third party apps
-Root Access

I understand this is a simplification, but those 4 key point pretty much sum up the overwhelming majority of pro-Android responses on every source of information I've read (i.e. not just on Mac Rumors).

My responses to those 4 key points:

-How is iTunes a pain?
-What does a custom launcher over bloatware have over iOS? Is it not a pain keeping all up to date?
-Is syncing as effective as in the Apple ecosystem? What's the upside?
-If I have to think about rooting my device to make it worth it's weight in salt, why wouldn't I stick with an iPhone?

I'm not saying there aren't great benefits to Android. I'm also not saying that Apple is anywhere near as innovative or cutting edge as it was during the Steve Job's era; however, I've seen very little advantage explained aside from having a second device with which to tinker. I don't plan on having a second device.

----------



I understand that an Android phone will still make calls and check the web with its respective stock UI, so yes, you don't need to do anything, but...

The consistent mantra I've read in regard to the advantage of Android over iOS is the great features one has when they disable the bloateware, install a custom launcher, and root the phone.

I'm already confused with the benefits after one does all those things, so I certainly am missing the advantage of Android over iOS when someone sticks with the stock UI.

Have a read of this. It won't help you decide but it outlines some of the pros and cons of each as well as quite how difficult it is becoming to choose between the two.

The Verge - The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Smartphone

For me, iOS always wins.

 

[RMD68]

Your safest bets for obtaining the latest Android operating system the quickest are the Nexus line, Google Play edition devices, and Motorola.

Getting all your music from iTunes uploaded to Google Music would be a pretty easy thing to accomplish. You can Google it for directions.

I'm pretty sure syncing apps with your tablet (assuming it's an iPad) is simply not going to happen as we are discussing two completely different app markets. Personally I use an iPad daily and it's a non-issue for me. The majority, if not all the apps you use on an Android device, can also be found on an iPad. I also don't use all the same apps on a mobile device as I do on a tablet. So if you want to sync an Android phone to an iPad, I don't think it's possible app-wise, unless you simply go down the list and make sure you have the same apps on both devices.

I personally don't want/need to mirror my SMS messages onto my tablet. If you want to do this, someone else can chime in or perhaps there are 3rd party apps that do this. Honestly OP alot of your questions are a Google search away. This probably is the same with photos too. If you use Gmail your email will sync across all platforms. If you insist on using a Mac email address I don't know.

As I said before, getting the latest operating system running on your phone is an advantage Apple has here. Unless you go Nexus or Motorola or a Google Play edition device you aren't guaranteed the latest and greatest immediately. Your apps will update automatically just as iOS ones do too. This specific issue is irrelevant.

If you want to use Yosemite's iOS integration features, there really isn't much to say to this. Stay with iOS.

Again, thank you for a thoughtful response.

I have "googled" these issues, but you must understand that the overwhelming majority of information in regard to switching from iOS to Android is in regard customization.

I understand that as with iOS and OSX, a lot of the benefits are realized after use. I'm sure there are idiosyncratic benefits to Android over iOS. I'm just presenting my qualms with the "noise."

Are the Nexus and Motorola phones the closest to stock Droid (if such a thing exists). Does this hold true for Verizon based phones too?

----------

Have a read of this. It won't help you decide but it outlines some of the pros and cons of each as well as quite how difficult it is becoming to choose between the two.

The Verge - The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Smartphone

For me, iOS always wins.

Thank you!

I will give it a read now.

 

[bandrews]

The thing is responses like yours are few and far between. At least you said some actual features.

Isn't there a lot of fragmentation in the Android market? I don't see how one phone would be good for choosing another.

In regard to syncing and being up-to-date:

-All my music is on iTunes

-I don't even need to connect to my computer or a third party program to completely sync my apps and media to my phone or tablet

-My SMS, emails, pictures, apps, etc. automatically update on all my devices

-Which is easier? Having one update, a uniform iOS update, or making sure Google updates Android, your phone manufacturer updates their software, and thirds party apps being up to date to get the most out of your device?

-Yosemite is supposed to have really good iOS integration features

The Android fragmentation argument is starting to lose traction now. If you opt for a flagship from a high end OEM you're guaranteed a couple of updates and with the Nexus you'll be first in line. 3rd party apps will also be made available, optimised and updated for flagship devices quicker than for lower spec devices from obscure manufacturers.

Apps have been auto-updating on Android longer than iOS. If you use Dropbox, Flickr, Evernote, Pocket, Mailbox etc - these are all cross platform so regardless of which OS you're rocking, all your content will sync seamlessly.

Yosemite does have great iOS integration but then I believe Android and Chrome OS talk pretty well to each other too.

You would have to make some changes initially but once you're set up I can't see it being much different day to day than with your iPhone.

 

[blairh]

Again, thank you for a thoughtful response.

I have "googled" these issues, but you must understand that the overwhelming majority of information in regard to switching from iOS to Android is in regard customization.

I understand that as with iOS and OSX, a lot of the benefits are realized after use. I'm sure there are idiosyncratic benefits to Android over iOS. I'm just presenting my qualms with the "noise."

Are the Nexus and Motorola phones the closest to stock Droid (if such a thing exists). Does this hold true for Verizon based phones too?

Nexus and Google Play edition phones are stock Android. My AT&T Moto X came with 2 AT&T apps. I use one and disabled the other. It also came with some Motorola apps. I disabled one and use the others, as they are all useful. I'm assuming Verizon Motorola devices are the same.

 

[RMD68]

Have a read of this. It won't help you decide but it outlines some of the pros and cons of each as well as quite how difficult it is becoming to choose between the two.

The Verge - The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Smartphone

For me, iOS always wins.

I read the article, and the title was right! It was certainly a TL;DR version. He said there were a lot of pros and cons, but he wouldn't list them because we already knew them...

Argh!

I read a linked article from June about how both Google and Apple are trying to do what other brands were never able to do, make it hard for you to leave.

That's my issue. If you are already moderately invested in the Apple ecosystem,a dn you won't be using a secondary tweaked device, why switch?

/headscratch

----------

Nexus and Google Play edition phones are stock Android. My AT&T Moto X came with 2 AT&T apps. I use one and disabled the other. It also came with some Motorola apps. I disabled one and use the others, as they are all useful. I'm assuming Verizon Motorola devices are the same.

I've been using Verizon for a long time, and I remember the UI issues with Verizon phones prior to me getting the iPhone. Verizon had a tendency to make good UIs not so great. At one time all the phones had the same UI. I'm not saying this is true now. I'm just talking about Verizon past tendencies.