Serious OS switching question

[widgeteer]

Its not the design thats boring, its the OS.
I mean, Android does widgets right. even moving the tiles around, fonts, ringtones, saving videos/sound files from safari.
The OS itself is banal, not the design. Even siri needs an overhaul.

I was referring to the OS. iOS is not banal. It's an OS. You use it to do things.

Yeah yeah. Widgets. Ringtones. Android always did that better than iOS. That's not new.

Enjoy your new phone. Let everyone know when it goes on Swappa tho.

 

[sundog925]

I was referring to the OS. iOS is not banal. It's an OS. You use it to do things.

Yeah yeah. Widgets. Ringtones. Android always did that better than iOS. That's not new.

Enjoy your new phone. Let everyone know when it goes on Swappa tho.

k

 

[niploteksi]

Concerning this stability... Are you saying your OS crashes or your apps? I've had three Android phones so far and the only app I really had a problem with was Pokemon Go. I've had more issues with apps on iOS.

 

[lowendlinux]

I disagree that Android has reached stability that mirrors iOS. I've been using a Pixel for just over 3 months now which gets all of the latest updates, etc. But I can assure you that this device with stock Android does not mirror the stability of iOS. Having said that, it's still a good device and possibly the best android experience. But, I didn't get an Android device for stability, I got an Android device because I wanted a different experience since I've been using iPhones since the 3G. It was absolutely worth it in my opinion just for the different experience.

With the Pixel I've had both hardware and software issues which led to two replacement devices being sent to me by Verizon. One of which I declined because it wasn't any better than my current device.

Hardware issues: microphone stopped working, charging issues (would fluctuate being charging and not charging).
Software issues: wifi calling keeps disabling itself, so I have to continuously go in and re-enable it. Voicemail tab in the phone dialer app randomly disappears and I have to go disable visual voicemail, then re-enable it. With the recent February patch my battery life is not nearly as good as it was with the same apps/usage and my phone has locked up twice requiring me to force restart the phone by holding the power button until it shuts off.

I've had to deal with Google support and Verizon customer service more in the 3 months of ownership of a Pixel, in comparison to the entire time I've used iPhones. And when I had to deal with Apple support, it was a much more pleasant experience. That's not to say Google/Verizon has treated me poorly, because they haven't. It's just much more time consuming to deal with those companies. With Apple I just walk into a store and show my issue to somebody in the store and they fix it without me having to do anything else. With Google they send you a full e-mail of troubleshooting steps you do yourself and report back to them each step along the way.

I don't dislike the Pixel, but it's definitely not near as stable as any iPhone I've had. This is a phone that Google controls both the hardware and software of it, so it's a bit disappointing to me. MWC is next week so I'd recommend waiting until then to see what is announced and go from there.

You're still having problems with that phone? I think it's time Google or Verizon gives you your money back so you can move on.

=====

To the OP, they're phones and they're both boring. If you want to try something new or different you're going to have to look outside or Android and iOS

 

[sundog925]

You're still having problems with that phone? I think it's time Google or Verizon gives you your money back so you can move on.

=====

To the OP, they're phones and they're both boring. If you want to try something new or different you're going to have to look outside or Android and iOS

I guess things like the aforementioned are important to me, even the status light on the Galaxy or the scrolling notifications. Anyways, Ill probably check out the S8 when it debuts.

 

[timeconsumer]

You're still having problems with that phone? I think it's time Google or Verizon gives you your money back so you can move on.

If that was an option I would. I do like this phone I just wish the issues I have would be fixed. I've asked Verizon if I could switch to another phone and was told that Google doesn't provide that as an option. But they would keep replacing my device with a certified like new replacement until I got one that had no issues. I think at this point it's just software issues I am having so no point in a replacement. Also, the wifi calling disabling itself and voicemail tab disappearing, I was told by Verizon support that they estimate it will be resolved in April which I am assuming is 7.2.

 

[lowendlinux]

If that was an option I would. I do like this phone I just wish the issues I have would be fixed. I've asked Verizon if I could switch to another phone and was told that Google doesn't provide that as an option. But they would keep replacing my device with a certified like new replacement until I got one that had no issues. I think at this point it's just software issues I am having so no point in a replacement. Also, the wifi calling disabling itself and voicemail tab disappearing, I was told by Verizon support that they estimate it will be resolved in April which I am assuming is 7.2.

Cripes at that point I'd want it in writing to a lawyer. I truly do hope it's software since I've not had the problems you have but getting the run around by two large companies would make my blood boil.

 

[cola79]

The only thing where Android outperforms iOS is sharing of files. iOS is not up to date when it comes to open files, send them in a convenient way and download stuff of various kind.

However, Androids biggest problem is the security of the system and your personal data. Getting the up to date android version is nearly impossible, even on a nexus only the newest models get it.

 

[hallux]

even on a nexus only the newest models get it.

The Nexus 6, which is over 2 years old at this point, only JUST got left off the most recent update. Reading into the overall device update issue more, this is because Google doesn't control the hardware. In a lot of cases, the ability to update to the latest OS is hampered by Qualcomm or other chip manufacturers choosing not to support the newest OS on the SoC's. Yes, Google could try to encourage them to continue to release the drivers needed to support the chips on new versions of Android but Google as a hardware partner has almost zero pull with the likes of Qualcomm since Google isn't building the devices. Without the drivers, just as with Windows, things just won't work right (if at all). The Nexus 5 was a victim of these very circumstances when Nougat was released.

Overall, it's not entirely Google's fault that Android doesn't come out to devices after a period of time, and only then Google can only be held accountable for the Nexus/Pixel device update release schedule.

 

[Michael Goff]

The Nexus 6, which is over 2 years old at this point, only JUST got left off the most recent update. Reading into the overall device update issue more, this is because Google doesn't control the hardware. In a lot of cases, the ability to update to the latest OS is hampered by Qualcomm or other chip manufacturers choosing not to support the newest OS on the SoC's. Yes, Google could try to encourage them to continue to release the drivers needed to support the chips on new versions of Android but Google as a hardware partner has almost zero pull with the likes of Qualcomm since Google isn't building the devices. Without the drivers, just as with Windows, things just won't work right (if at all). The Nexus 5 was a victim of these very circumstances when Nougat was released.

Overall, it's not entirely Google's fault that Android doesn't come out to devices after a period of time, and only then Google can only be held accountable for the Nexus/Pixel device update release schedule.

Balderdash. Microsoft has been able to continue to support Snapdragon 800 devices with their latest OS. There is no reason why N couldn't have been put on the Nexus 5.

 

[Tsepz]

Arguably Android is getting more stable whilst iOS gets less stable...

PS, I like both o/s.

This is what I am finding.

I use both OSs daily, I have had iPads since 2011 and Android phones since 2010.

Using both OSs that long daily, I have recently noticed how some iOS apps just throw me out and even Safari stuttering with large websites while my Androids breeze through.

I currently use a Galaxy S7 Edge and iPad Air 2 LTE. The ipad works more as my 4G LTE hotspot, while I use my S7 Edge for the real work and play.

Android just feels more complete and more like a mini laptop in my pocket while iOS still has this limited factor about it. I can throw damn near any video format at my S7E and it will play it, can't do the same with my iPad. I can USB-OTG with a hard drive to my S7E, with the iPad behave to get onto a damn PC and ensure it has iTunes etc etc etc...

Love the freedom of my Android.

 

[epicrayban]

I have been saying similar things for years now. That Apple's iPhone has become more about branding than an actual better experience. It's easy to point to where they're losing in hardware, but I've always said it's software, too.

Not only is iOS not significantly faster or smoother, it's not more stable either. This is from years of using both platforms on a daily basis. It becomes rather easy to observe where each OS' shortcomings are. The "world's most advanced mobile operating system" is hardly advance.

I still can't believe people who argue that iOS is easier and simpler to use can tolerate how it handles back navigation. Menus and pages slide up that eliminate the back gesture to go back, forcing you to hunt for "cancel" buttons that could be upper left, upper right, lower left/right, or sometimes in the center of the screen. And this happens in Apple's own core apps. I'm not talking about third party apps that just haven't implemented gesture controls. Navigating through iOS is sometimes painstakingly slow.

 

[Zaft]

Now that android has reached stability that mirrors iOS, anyone thinking about dropping iOS?

So many phones have caught my attention in the last couple years, HTC One, Galaxy S7 Edge, Pixel etc, and being that I've been with iPhone since iPhone 4 on Verizon, anyone else feel like me and want a different experience?
Not trying to sound snobbish, just wish iOS would CHANGE, not just 'refine'.

Well for me I have tried both but prefer IOS really for several reasons. Ease of use, imessage and facetime.
[doublepost=1487880149][/doublepost]

I have been saying similar things for years now. That Apple's iPhone has become more about branding than an actual better experience. It's easy to point to where they're losing in hardware, but I've always said it's software, too.

Not only is iOS not significantly faster or smoother, it's not more stable either. This is from years of using both platforms on a daily basis. It becomes rather easy to observe where each OS' shortcomings are. The "world's most advanced mobile operating system" is hardly advance.

I still can't believe people who argue that iOS is easier and simpler to use can tolerate how it handles back navigation. Menus and pages slide up that eliminate the back gesture to go back, forcing you to hunt for "cancel" buttons that could be upper left, upper right, lower left/right, or sometimes in the center of the screen. And this happens in Apple's own core apps. I'm not talking about third party apps that just haven't implemented gesture controls. Navigating through iOS is sometimes painstakingly slow.

cmon now thats an exaggeration. I have never had an issue finding the cancel button.

 

[epicrayban]

Well for me I have tried both but prefer IOS really for several reasons. Ease of use, imessage and facetime.
[doublepost=1487880149][/doublepost]
cmon now thats an exaggeration. I have never had an issue finding the cancel button.

Not saying it's hard to find, but that it slows down navigating around the operating system. It's an inconsistent experience.

 

[Zaft]

Not saying it's hard to find, but that it slows down navigating around the operating system. It's an inconsistent experience.

Thats true, some apps that I assume should have swipe to go back dont for some reason. Basically you have to try it out on every app and see.

From my experience I would say 70% of apps utilize the swipe to back.

 

[epicrayban]

Thats true, some apps that I assume should have swipe to go back dont for some reason. Basically you have to try it out on every app and see.

From my experience I would say 70% of apps utilize the swipe to back.

Ya. Drives me nuts. Maybe more so because I use both OS on a daily basis. With Android's dedicated back button, navigating back is just pure muscle memory.

Unfortunately, navigating is not the only thing that's inconsistent with iOS. The other one that drives me nuts? Password input requirements, especially with the App store. Sometimes I can use Touch ID, sometimes I have to key it in. And when I do have to key it in, it's not even the keyboard that I've set as default. Inconsistency within an inconsistency!

/inception

 

[Zaft]

Ya. Drives me nuts.

Maybe more so because I use both OS on a daily basis.

I do like that IOS now has a way to get back to the originating app if you are redirected.
It displays the name of the app on the top right or left.

 

[epicrayban]

I do like that IOS now has a way to get back to the originating app if you are redirected.
It displays the name of the app on the top right or left.

I believe Android does this, too, in the upper left corner. But usually, this happens automatically with the back button anyway.

I've explained this before, but the rules of Android's back button goes something like this:

If you go to a link via a certain app, the back button will take you back to that app because it considers the user is still using the previous app. You've just visited something that the app can't display, like when you visit a link via Twitter. Twitter isn't a browser, so it must open it in say Chrome. But it still treats you as still being in the Twitter app because you didn't actually app-switch via the app switcher or launch the browser app directly. You only went there via Twitter and it still thinks you want to continue using Twitter after you visit link.

I'm butchering the explanation a bit, but it goes something like that.

I agree with you, that's a smart thing to do of both iOS and Android.

 

[Michael Goff]

Ya. Drives me nuts. Maybe more so because I use both OS on a daily basis. With Android's dedicated back button, navigating back is just pure muscle memory.

Unfortunately, navigating is not the only thing that's inconsistent with iOS. The other one that drives me nuts? Password input requirements, especially with the App store. Sometimes I can use Touch ID, sometimes I have to key it in. And when I do have to key it in, it's not even the keyboard that I've set as default. Inconsistency within an inconsistency!

/inception

Yeah, I have to say that the dedicated back button is something that only iOS lacks. Even W10m has it.

 

[epicrayban]

Yeah, I have to say that the dedicated back button is something that only iOS lacks. Even W10m has it.

Hopefully the rumored dynamic gesture bar of the iPhone 8 will finally put an end to the inconsistent back experience.

 

[Tinmania]

I believe Android does this, too, in the upper left corner. But usually, this happens automatically with the back button anyway.

I've explained this before, but the rules of Android's back button goes something like this:

If you go to a link via a certain app, the back button will take you back to that app because it considers the user is still using the previous app. You've just visited something that the app can't display, like when you visit a link via Twitter. Twitter isn't a browser, so it must open it in say Chrome. But it still treats you as still being in the Twitter app because you didn't actually app-switch via the app switcher or launch the browser app directly. You only went there via Twitter and it still thinks you want to continue using Twitter after you visit link.

I'm butchering the explanation a bit, but it goes something like that.

I really like the back button in Android, and missed it on iOS even a year or longer after going back to an iPhone. (Just a few minutes with my wife's Samsung reset the muscle memory for the back button.)

But what I really like on Nougat is double tapping the Overview button that takes you to the last app. Very cool, and will never take you home. Heck even if you are at the home screen it will take you to the last app. I'm liking it on my LG V20.



Mike

 

[epicrayban]

I really like the back button in Android, and missed it on iOS even a year or longer after going back to an iPhone. (Just a few minutes with my wife's Samsung reset the muscle memory for the back button.)

But what I really like on Nougat is double tapping the Overview button that takes you to the last app. Very cool, and will never take you home. Heck even if you are at the home screen it will take you to the last app. I'm liking it on my LG V20.



Mike

I absolutely love that feature, too. I used it all the time when I had my Pixel. It's the "alt-tab" of Android OS. I often switch between two apps primarily anyway, like if I'm reading Flipboard and want to quickly go back and forth between that and a convo in Hangouts, for example.

Whereas on iOS, you have to force press and slide to "quickly" switch apps. It's slower and clunkier.

Again, navigating around Android is faster, more consistent, and in my opinion, easier than navigating around iOS. Switching between tabs with Chrome's gestures are great, too, versus the two or three steps it takes to switch tabs in Safari.

 

[BeforeTheMeds]

If you want to switch, switch. Why the need to see if others feel like you do, unless they are paying your bills?

If you have to create a thread to get other people to tell you whether you should switch or not, you have a bigger issue that needs addressing, than whether to go to Android or not.

My question is why would someone get butt hurt over a post about an alternative to ios in the alternative to ios devices? I don't get it, unless it's insecurity.

 

[pixel_junkie]

I absolutely love that feature, too. I used it all the time when I had my Pixel. It's the "alt-tab" of Android OS. I often switch between two apps primarily anyway, like if I'm reading Flipboard and want to quickly go back and forth between that and a convo in Hangouts, for example.

Whereas on iOS, you have to force press and slide to "quickly" switch apps. It's slower and clunkier.

Again, navigating around Android is faster, more consistent, and in my opinion, easier than navigating around iOS. Switching between tabs with Chrome's gestures are great, too, versus the two or three steps it takes to switch tabs in Safari.

Absolutely!

Add gesture control with Nova Prime where you can tap, double tap, one/two finger slide, tap and slide etc. to navigate to any part of the OS and any app, and then going back to the iOS way of navigation feels like you have both your arms amputated.

 

[BeforeTheMeds]

I've been buying iPhones for too long. After the 6, the 6s was a disappointment- there was barely any difference, except the big hole in my bank account. I wasn't going to buy the 7 either, but my family has got used to me passing on the old ones, and asked for help when the 6 got broken. The 7 is better, and iOS 10 makes 3D Touch slightly more than a gimmick, but the price!

Insulted by Apple's price gouging on the new MacBooks, and raising prices on the OLD ones (instead I bought a Surface Pro 4 for half the price of a 12" MacBook), plus a creeping boredom with iOS, and dissatisfaction with software glitches, I decided on a whim to try Android, when I saw one for £50 in Amazon's daily deals, coupled with a £10 off when you spend £50 on just that day. I spent £40 on a BLU with 5.5" screen, 1Gb ram, 8Gb storage, and Android 6.0. To my surprise, it isn't bad. The screen is good enough, Android 6 M is excellent (and I have no doubt 7 N and 8 O will be better still), but the camera, speaker, ram and storage are awful, so I recommend spending a little more. The OnePlus 3T gets excellent reviews.

All the apps I want are available, they all work well, but there is one killer app which just isn't on iOS, for no reason I can discern. Microsoft Office Remote for Android is brilliant, free, and is much easier to set up than any of the 3rd party paid options on iOS.

I'll keep my iPhone 7 for a while, but even if the 8 is perfect, I doubt I'll buy it. Brexit has caused prices to rise across the board, so it'll almost certainly be more than £1000. I can't justify spending that kind of money when I don't fully use every feature, and when the features I do use are available for a tenth of the price elsewhere. I like my Apple Watch, surprisingly that'll be the thing I miss most.

I've been slowly moving away from Apple services, instead using Office 365 with OneDrive, Amazon Prime for music and videos and photo storage, and Microsoft and Amazon apps work just as well on Android as they do on iOS.

I have a 6s plus and everyone else in the household has android. The wife has an edge 7, I had a moto x pure that I gave to the daughter. I have the phone, ipad, mac and apple tv. Android is excellent now and I actually liked the x pure more than the 6s plus but it was what the daughter wanted. I have my 6s plus on the upgrade program but I am not going to upgrade unless the 8 is really special and not priced higher. I see having it for some time but in the future all of the named stuff will be moving from apple. When paid off I may give it to the youngest and move on over.

In my case it's not worth the premium anymore. Since chromebooks will be running android apps I see one instead of an ipad in the future. It won't replace whatever computer I have, but it will replace an ipad.

Lots of butt hurt people will troll in but android is excellent now whether they like it or not. I am still paying over 1000.00 us for a 128 gb 6s plus and can't see it if I can get one I like at least as well for 400 or so dollars (the x pure)