My 30 day iPhone 5 Journey

[onthecouchagain]

You don't even have to open it in another app. Just tap on a PDF file within Dropbox and you can view it. If you want to see the PDF file while offline, just favorite it by tapping the star sign.

Ah, good info. Thanks.

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I believe there's just a PDF viewer built-in to the browser. I'm not sure you can save PDFs unless you download apps (cue tirade of iOS )

No tirade, but seriously, even you must admit all these methods are far more "manual" (the description that I keep coming back to with iOS) than on Android.

And Apple wants to get the iPhone into the corporate world? I mean, c'mon.

From my 4S experience, I always knew iOS was a little more difficult with a few things here and there... but I guess that was before my smartphone got so involved with work related stuff. Now that it is an integral part of my work life (and really my regular life), I'm seeing iOS in a whole new way. It's a dark, sick joke. Especially behind the moniker "the world's most advanced operating system."

 

[zbarvian]

Ah, good info. Thanks.

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No tirade, but seriously, even you must admit all these methods are far more "manual" (the description that I keep coming back to with iOS) than on Android.

And Apple wants to get the iPhone into the corporate world? I mean, c'mon.

From my 4S experience, I always knew iOS was a little more difficult with a few things here and there... but I guess that was before my smartphone got so involved with work related stuff. Now that it is an integral part of my work life (and really my regular life), I'm seeing iOS in a whole new way. It's a dark, sick joke. Especially behind the moniker "the world's most advanced operating system."

I'm sure some things do require more steps, but that's just the nature of iOS. It's different, and I still think it's better designed (not just visually) and far more accessible than Android. There are pros and cons of both approaches. I do think Apple can learn a thing from certain Android features.

 

[onthecouchagain]

I'm sure some things do require more steps, but that's just the nature of iOS. It's different, and I still think it's better designed (not just visually) and far more accessible than Android. There are pros and cons of both approaches.

You and others keep using this word different, like it's a virtue.

Many OS-es are different. Heck, they're all different! But different how? That's what matters.

I do think Apple can learn a thing from certain Android features.

Yes, I suppose. But really, Apple doesn't need to "learn" to add attachments to mail, or "learn" to allow us to share things beyond Facebook and Twitter, etc. etc. They just have to be willing to give us these features.

 

[zbarvian]

You and others keep using this word different, like it's a virtue.

Many OS-es are different. Heck, they're all different!




Yes, I suppose. But really, Apple doesn't need to "learn" to add attachments to mail, or "learn" to allow us to share things beyond Facebook and Twitter. They just have to be willing to!

They ARE different, though, and depending on what you value that may clearly make one better for you. However, it's impossible to claim that one is definitively better without falling victim to personal biases. Some things are better in certain aspects, some aren't. Android handles what you mentioned in a more sensible way than iOS, yes. iOS can learn stuff like that from Android, and Android can learn stuff from iOS.

 

[ReanimationN]

It's a dark, sick joke. Especially behind the moniker "the world's most advanced operating system."

You're a master of hyperbole couchy. I believe the tag line is "the world's most advanced mobile operating system", and as a mobile OS, it does a damn good job. It's fast, fluid and has a great software selection, it's hardly a "dark, sick joke". It doesn't suit your wants/needs/preferences, but in the same way, Android doesn't suit those of other people.

 

[onthecouchagain]

They ARE different, though, and depending on what you value that may clearly make one better for you. However, it's impossible to claim that one is definitively better without falling victim to personal biases. Some things are better in certain aspects, some aren't. Android handles what you mentioned in a more sensible way than iOS, yes. iOS can learn stuff like that from Android, and Android can learn stuff from iOS.

I suppose there's no way for me to prove it to you, but if iOS was the superior operating system, in other words, if I could do more things and do them more easily, I would say it was the superior system. It just simply isn't. And it especially devastating when Apple and people tout it as such. Again... the world's most advanced operating system cannot do some of the most simplest things.

Please remember, I am an Apple fan. My thousands and thousands of dollars spent on that company proves that. iMac, Retina MBP 13", Thunderbolt Display, iPad 3rd gen, Apple Extreme; I recently bought an Air 13" for a family member, etc.

I think two things are at play here. 1) My phone has become a far more integral part of my work and personal life. And 2) Android is a different beast today than it was pre-Jelly Bean days. These two factors compounded, I'm just blown away by how poor of an operating system iOS is.

And to point the topic of this thread back on point, if jail break truly is impossible with 6.1.3, my decision between S4 or HTC One will have to be made as soon as possible.

iOS without jailbreak is a joke. It really is. Every corner of the OS reeks of limitations. I'm sorry.

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You're a master of hyperbole couchy. I believe the tag line is "the world's most advanced mobile operating system"

Thanks for the correction. That is what I meant, within the mobile world. But okay. Even that isn't true. It's so far from the truth.

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I also want to point out: I am genuinely not here to argue. I really am not. It's just how it is. iOS isn't cutting it and people should stop letting Apple get away with it. Or, better yet, Apple can bring it up to snuff. Like I said, it's not like they don't know how to. It's a matter of them changing their philosophy, even if just by a little bit, and being willing to. I mean, please, we should be allowed to share to more than just FB and Twitter.

I'm sorry that it's like this. I really am, and I really wish it weren't so. As an Apple fan, I genuinely wish for improvements.

 

[Vegastouch]

I also want to point out: I am genuinely not here to argue. I really am not. It's just how it is. iOS isn't cutting it and people should stop letting Apple get away with it. Or, better yet, Apple can bring it up to snuff. Like I said, it's not like they don't know how to. It's a matter of them changing their philosophy, even if just by a little bit, and being willing to. I mean, please, we should be allowed to share to more than just FB and Twitter.

I'm sorry that it's like this. I really am, and I really wish it weren't so. As an Apple fan, I genuinely wish for improvements.

Its up to the iPhone users to let Apple know what they want. Let them know you want a simple thing like attaching things to an email and you dont want to have to send a bunch of individual emails to send things. And let them know all the other things you would like. Like NFC if you want it, a bigger screen. You will get it eventually............i think!

 

[onthecouchagain]

Its up to the iPhone users to let Apple know what they want. Let them know you want a simple thing like attaching things to an email and you dont want to have to send a bunch of individual emails to send things. And let them know all the other things you would like. Like NFC if you want it, a bigger screen. You will get it eventually............i think!

Yeah, it's all part of the bigger picture.

I am so glad Josh Topolosky, in his iPhone 5 review, started pointing out the serious shortcomings of iOS. I encourage everyone to read it. He praises the device, but is very honest about where iOS is at its current state.

In general, it needs to be part of the bigger conversation. And it may start in small places like a message board, then expand to conversations in real life (it's starting already, I honestly feel), then hopefully tech journalists (again, there's a bit of it already) and etc.

Apple does pay attention to what is said. The Apple vs. Samsung trials revealed that.

It's time to be honest -- painfully so if need be -- about iOS.

Tim Cook firing Forestall is as much of an admittance that iOS is in need of change from Apple as we'll get. Too bad the changes to iOS 7 sounds more cosmetic than anything.

 

[zbarvian]

I suppose there's no way for me to prove it to you, but if iOS was the superior operating system, in other words, if I could do more things and do them more easily, I would say it was the superior system. It just simply isn't. And it especially devastating when Apple and people tout it as such. Again... the world's most advanced operating system cannot do some of the most simplest things.

Please remember, I am an Apple fan. My thousands and thousands of dollars spent on that company proves that. iMac, Retina MBP 13", Thunderbolt Display, iPad 3rd gen, Apple Extreme; I recently bought an Air 13" for a family member, etc.

I think two things are at play here. 1) My phone has become a far more integral part of my work and personal life. And 2) Android is a different beast today than it was pre-Jelly Bean days. These two factors compounded, I'm just blown away by how poor of an operating system iOS is.

And to point the topic of this thread back on point, if jail break truly is impossible with 6.1.3, my decision between S4 or HTC One will have to be made as soon as possible.

iOS without jailbreak is a joke. It really is. Every corner of the OS reeks of limitations. I'm sorry.

I totally see where you're coming from and understand why so many people prefer it. But expecting functionality that can be obscure and esoteric really isn't a common consumer concern. Most people don't care about downloading third party launchers, ROMs, file managers, and the like. Be careful to project your wishes to everyone's, and assume that Android is superior because it satisfies what YOU want. I'm developing an app for iOS and I can tell you that Android, for me, is still inferior. I really do like what Google is doing and I'm lurking in these forums because I greatly prefer these conversations to simpleton iOS fanboys, but Android still isn't up to snuff in the areas that I'm concerned with. In terms of app development, the power and ease of the SDK, and the overall consistency and room for design, iOS is still heads and shoulders above Android. Design-wise, I still feel like Apple and its 3rd party apps make more sense and look/work better than their Android counterparts, and I'm not alone. In addition, I value the responsiveness, optimization, and hardware of the platform more than what's offered on Android. I'm jailbroken (though even if I wasn't I would still stay), and that makes inconveniences in the OS even more rare in my eyes.

Google is doing cool things with Android. I like Google Now, Notifications, and the bigger screens, but being able to download PDFs into my photo library or queue songs really aren't a priority in the slightest to me, and several shortcomings continue to mar Android.

 

[onthecouchagain]

I totally see where you're coming from and understand why so many people prefer it. But expecting functionality that can be obscure and esoteric really isn't a common consumer concern. Most people don't care about downloading third party launchers, ROMs, file managers, and the like. Be careful to project your wishes to everyone's, and assume that Android is superior because it satisfies what YOU want. I'm developing an app for iOS and I can tell you that Android, for me, is still inferior. I really do like what Google is doing and I'm lurking in these forums because I greatly prefer these conversations to simpleton iOS fanboys, but Android still isn't up to snuff in the areas that I'm concerned with. In terms of app development, the power and ease of the SDK, and the overall consistency and room for design, iOS is still heads and shoulders above Android. Design-wise, I still feel like Apple and its 3rd party apps make more sense and look/work better than their Android counterparts, and I'm not alone. In addition, I value the responsiveness, optimization, and hardware of the platform more than what's offered on Android. I'm jailbroken (though even if I wasn't I would still stay), and that makes inconveniences in the OS even more rare in my eyes.

Google is doing cool things with Android. I like Google Now, Notifications, and the bigger screens, but being able to download PDFs into my photo library or queue songs really aren't a priority in the slightest to me, and several shortcomings continue to mar Android.

All right. Go off topic if you'd like.

 

[ReanimationN]

I also want to point out: I am genuinely not here to argue. I really am not. It's just how it is. iOS isn't cutting it and people should stop letting Apple get away with it. Or, better yet, Apple can bring it up to snuff. Like I said, it's not like they don't know how to. It's a matter of them changing their philosophy, even if just by a little bit, and being willing to. I mean, please, we should be allowed to share to more than just FB and Twitter.

I'm sorry that it's like this. I really am, and I really wish it weren't so. As an Apple fan, I genuinely wish for improvements.

All right. Go off topic if you'd like.

He's quite right. Personally, as an example, I wish people would stop letting Google and its hardware partners get away with releasing devices that lag (I really hope for those who are interested in the GS4 that it ends up performing better than the preview models that have been demoed), and that don't nail the basics in user interaction- a touch screen that is as responsive as possible. However, not everyone shares my concerns, some people don't notice it, some people don't care. Same goes with what you continually regurgitate as being reasons for iOS being a "dark, sick joke"- some people aren't going to notice them, some people aren't going to care, as iOS has plenty of positive aspects that make it what it is- an incredibly popular mobile OS with a great software selection.

As for the constant honesty plea- I know I'm more than happy to admit iOS needs a revamp and is quite stale and in need of vast improvements in some areas, but I still prefer it to what the competition offers, I.e. an experience that I find frustrating and a poorer software selection.

 

[Night Spring]

All right. Go off topic if you'd like.

I thought we were here to have an honest discussion about the state of iOS and of Android -- someone disagrees with you and it's off topic?

 

[onthecouchagain]

I thought we were here to have an honest discussion about the state of iOS and of Android -- someone disagrees with you and it's off topic?

Read my posts.

 

[hyteckit]

I just find it funny when a few people here who constantly brag about Android and Android phones, and complain about iOS and the iPhone, but continue to complain that they are force to buy an iPhone 5 because there are currently no good Android phones.

So shouldn't the complaint be about Android and the availability of good Android phones? Hundreds of choices of Android phones, but you are forced to buy the crappy iPhone 5 with its crappy OS?

Don't blame Apple for making the current crop of Android phones look bad. Don't look for excuse to complain about Apple. If you want an Android phone and can't find a good Android phone currently, blame the Android phone makers and blame Android.


Does Android have more features than iOS? Yes.
Is Android more customizable than iOS? Yes.
Are there more choices of Android phones than iOS phone? Yes.
Are there Android phones with bigger than 4" screens? Yes.


But at the end of the day, I'm just looking for a smartphone and not a pocket computer. For me, I want a smartphone that can be used with one hand, easily pocketable, has decent battery life, takes great photos, runs the apps I need/want, and simple to use.

If you want a bigger screen, more functionality, and more customizability than what iOS and the iPhone has to offer, get an Android phone.

 

[hyteckit]

-BIG MISS: Notification light. I hate having to keep turning the device on just to see if I've got anything waiting for me. This is such a useful feature. To all those people who keep talking about how Apple doesn't implement something until people are ready for it or until they can do it right, here's a perfect example of that philosophy being utter BS. Notification light is majorly useful and it's not hard to get a simple light "right."

I do like the Notification light. Had a blackberry phone before and I like the notification lights. Wish Apple did include it on the iPhone.

How hard is to get a simple light "right" right?

Too bad Samsung and the popular Galaxy S3 and the new Galaxy S4 can't get it right.

So what ******** genius at Samsung designed the Samsung Flip Cover and the gimmicky Samsung S-View Cover to cover up the notification light on the Galaxy S3/S4?

Design a flip cover the block out the notification light that many people find useful? How amazing dumb is that?

Either put the light on top or make the whole flip cover clear as I have mentioned in another thread.

 

[Tinmania]

I do like the Notification light. Had a blackberry phone before and I like the notification lights. Wish Apple did include it on the iPhone.

How hard is to get a simple light "right" right?

Too bad Samsung and the popular Galaxy S3 and the new Galaxy S4 can't get it right.

So what ******** genius at Samsung designed the Samsung Flip Cover and the gimmicky Samsung S-View Cover to cover up the notification light on the Galaxy S3/S4?

Design a flip cover the block out the notification light that many people find useful? How amazing dumb is that?

Either put the light on top or make the whole flip cover clear as I have mentioned in another thread.

So you think because an optional front cover covers the LED means they can't get an LED right on the device? Reaching much?




Mike

 

[hyteckit]

So you think because an optional front cover covers the LED means they can't get an LED right on the device?


Mike

Yes.

Samsung designs both the phone and the samsung flip cover. The samsung flip cover negates the functionality/purpose of the notification light.

Dumb design.

 

[Vegastouch]

I do like the Notification light. Had a blackberry phone before and I like the notification lights. Wish Apple did include it on the iPhone.

How hard is to get a simple light "right" right?

Too bad Samsung and the popular Galaxy S3 and the new Galaxy S4 can't get it right.

So what ******** genius at Samsung designed the Samsung Flip Cover and the gimmicky Samsung S-View Cover to cover up the notification light on the Galaxy S3/S4?

Design a flip cover the block out the notification light that many people find useful? How amazing dumb is that?

Either put the light on top or make the whole flip cover clear as I have mentioned in another thread.

Pretty dumb. But i dont have a flip cover.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Yes.

Samsung designs both the phone and the samsung flip cover. The samsung flip cover negates the functionality/purpose of the notification light.

Dumb design.

The whole idea of the revealing flip cover is to turn on the display and see more details about your notifications. I suppose it sucks it covers the light up, but that doesn't mean they did the notification light "wrong" per se. Just maybe the flip cover wrong, but again, that's stretching it. It's meant to serve a different function.

Personally, I don't care for the flip cover myself, but I'm not going to say they did the notification light wrong. That... makes no sense.

 

[onthecouchagain]

I just find it funny when a few people here who constantly brag about Android and Android phones, and complain about iOS and the iPhone, but continue to complain that they are force to buy an iPhone 5 because there are currently no good Android phones.

It's only funny because you are either selectively reading what I've wrote about my reasons to get the iPhone 5, or you're not comprehending it.

It's all there.

 

[sentinelsx]

I'm seeing iOS in a whole new way. It's a dark, sick joke. Especially behind the moniker "the world's most advanced operating system."

Well, no company will say their product is second or third. They will say it is the best, so i do not think that Apple is doing any thing different.

It is the job of the consumer to decide whether or not it is true for them.

 

[jrswizzle]

Well, no company will say their product is second or third. They will say it is the best, so i do not think that Apple is doing any thing different.

It is the job of the consumer to decide whether or not it is true for them.

Its funny how people ALWAYS point out Apple "hasn't TRULY invented anything" yet they turn around and think Apple invented hyperbole in marketing....

There isn't a company out there that wouldn't claim the same - especially given the overall subjective nature of the statement.

 

[onthecouchagain]

You both are incredibly blind if you don't think Apple's marketing sets a standard in hyperbole. It's always been said, Steve Jobs could sell a bag of ice if he wanted to.

No one is claiming Apple invented hyperbole or that others don't do the same. And who cares if they do? That's the classic use of "I know you are but what am I" argument. Who cares?

The issue is how far from the truth iOS is. It's so far from the world's most advanced mobile operating system given that it can't do some of the most simplest things.

 

[jrswizzle]

You both are incredibly blind if you don't think Apple's marketing sets a standard in hyperbole. It's always been said, Steve Jobs could sell a bag of ice if he wanted to.

No one is claiming Apple invented hyperbole or that others don't do the same. And who cares if they do? That's the classic use of "I know you are but what am I" argument. Who cares?

The issue is how far from the truth iOS is. It's so far from the world's most advanced mobile operating system given that it can't do some of the most simplest things.

Such as?

You'll probably say things like "changing default browsers or apps" - I challenge you to come up with a FUNCTION. Changing default browsers is not a function - I can still get on the internet plenty fine and easily.

My bet is most of what you come up with doesn't affect function for 99% of users (something like "limited to 8 tabs" - there are multiple other ways to save a webpage for reading later - saving the webpage is the function I'm referring to).

You don't like Samsung doesn't "bend the truth"? Those ridiculous commercials that make everyone who waits in line for the iPhone look like an idiot (the whole mind blown by the headphone jack move - NO ONE's mind was blown). Or how about the whole "2 phones, 1 for work and 1 for personal" thing - Samsung makes it seem like that's some ridiculous, out dated way to think about things. The reality is there are plenty of legit reasons to keep them separate.

I'm not saying Jobs wasn't a master salesman - maybe Apple does hyperbole better than anyone in the smartphone industry, but they are far from the only company to do such things and employ such tactics.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Such as?

Some examples off the top of my head:

-remember my password. I can't believe the world's most advanced operating system requires me to put my password in every... single... time I download something. Security feature, you say? Great. Where can I turn this on/off? (and it was only recently with iOS 6 that the App Store stopped booting you out per every download; a ridiculous annoyance).
-close individual notifications in my notification center.
-queue music tracks or albums.
-set MP3s as ringtones/alarms
-long press for secondary symbols.
-share to anything else besides FB/Twitter
-download and save a PDF
-scroll down webpages without continuously flicking and flicking and flicking and flicking.
-attachments in emails so that I can "share" more than one thing at a time.


There are probably more examples. I'm sure others could come up with some. I'm sure you could think of some yourself if you tried.

Please don't bother going into your typical speel about how "But Couch! You can send attachments... just not in an email. You just have to share it from the app where the attachment is itself." I am fully aware of that. You still can't add attachments to email (other than photos).