Sooooo iOS 8 anyone?

[sentinelsx]

While iOS 8 is quite enticing, i am still happy with my android device atm and will only replace it if it breaks in the future and that will be when i will decide what to buy. I am sure though google will step up its game and hopefully make dev tools better; android studio is step in right direction but a lot of stuff still makes your head scratch. I have just started writing apps and i find that i spend more time with code implementation than logic implementation.

However, i like iOS notification more than android and with the interactive option, i find them even better. Google's design guidelines tell developers to stack notifications, which i don't like, as you cannot use the 'actionable' part anymore, and you cannot touch one notification without bothering the rest. With iOS, everything is separate, and can be acted upon individually. While some people might say this makes the notification shade "cluttered", i say this makes it exactly what it is intended for, to show all notifications.

That is why i paid for 4-5 lockscreen apps on my android device to mimic lockscreen notifications which show up separate, before settling on slidelock and lockerpro (from same dev). Unfortunately the latest update to lockerpro (my favorite) was rolled back because apparently removing widget functionality from it was a bigger deal than making the lockscreen look less ugly and more functional. Looks like it is time to just make my own solution..

Too bad it looks like i cannot overrride my notification shade though, from extensive searching.

 

[jrswizzle]

Deleted as spinedoc edited his original post. No need to keep going!

Along the lines of sentinelsx attempt to get the thread back on track - if the OP is still here, you should add a poll. Would be simpler lol.

I'm curious if there are any other features Apple could add that would entice those who say no to iOS 8....

Other than the standard "themeing" and "torrenting" replies.

I'd really like to pick up a Moto X while they're on sale to keep a foot in the Android ecosystem.....$349 may still be a bit too much for a backup, backup phone though

 

[Nabooly]

I'll just be patiently waiting to see what the next iPhone will present. iOS 8 on the current 5s is definitely a no.

 

[jrswizzle]

I'll just be patiently waiting to see what the next iPhone will present. iOS 8 on the current 5s is definitely a no.

Display size the issue? I think there will be a lot of people that go for the 6 if it does in fact come in the larger displays.

I'm content with my 4" iPhones - but I really did like the 4.7" and 5" displays on the HTC One and GS4 when I had them last year.

And I think the Moto X is awesome in that its roughly the same size as the iPhone, yet packs in a 4.7" display.

 

[tbayrgs]

Interesting, good point. I hadn't thought of that. I like Apple's implementation because it simply allows me to leave all my widgets in one place as opposed to having them scattered through various home screens.

(note - I would've been fine had they allowed widgets to be added to the home screen too so long as they let me access the screen to the left of the main home screen so I could store my widgets on one page that was out of the way, but still a swipe away.)

But the ability to access them from within ANY app is pretty awesome.

Jr---there are ways to add widgets to the notification panel in Android as well--this isn't unique to iOS.

On a separate note, just saw that it appears the ability to swipe away single notifications has been added to iOS 8 (and yes, I know it's been in Android for years, one of the many aspects I like better on Android)--'bout damn time. Now if Apple would just include a 'clear all' option...

 

[jrswizzle]

Jr---there are ways to add widgets to the notification panel in Android as well--this isn't unique to iOS.

Hmm interesting. Stock or via apps? Like I said - would love to pick up a Moto X on sale....just to stay in.

 

[Nabooly]

Display size the issue? I think there will be a lot of people that go for the 6 if it does in fact come in the larger displays.

I'm content with my 4" iPhones - but I really did like the 4.7" and 5" displays on the HTC One and GS4 when I had them last year.

And I think the Moto X is awesome in that its roughly the same size as the iPhone, yet packs in a 4.7" display.

Yup, display size is an issue for me. I've completely adapted to the large screen....and if the coming iPhone has a larger display along with added functionality with iOS I'll almost 100% switch.

 

[SpoonCody]

Lol - no worries. You've been extremely level headed about the whole thing. I think the fiery guys have me on ignore so....lol

Maybe you wouldn't be called the names you're called in these threads or be put on ignore if people saw the same sort of noble "balance and fair" points of view you try so hard to offer here for Apple for Samsung as well. Are you out there with your whole "no one is copying anything because it isn't from the original source" angle or "it's all simply about implementing the latest feature" argument?

Because no one gets called "copy cats" more than Samsung.

And I say again, it's ironic that you are so upset by people calling Apple copying when it's Apple themselves that sparked this whole debate in the first place. Like I said, the whole "ah-ha, now look who's copying" backlash is all thanks to Apple.

 

[tbayrgs]

Hmm interesting. Stock or via apps? Like I said - would love to pick up a Moto X on sale....just to stay in.

Via apps at this point. I personally use many widgets--Dashclock on my lock screen, a calendar widget on my home screen for quick glances) but there appear to be a number of apps that provide widget functionality in the notification panel. Once upon a time I use a battery app that provided a widget in the panel, could quick launch the app or get a quick snapshot of battery performance, etc.

 

[sumsingwong]

all of my information....my Google Maps searches and navigations....how long it will take me to go to/come home from work......My recent Google searches......suggestions from my Google + preferences.......those are just a few.....
EDIT: did you say a widget in IOS? WOW...didn't you poo poo that as a useless feature on Android devices? Now its a good feature on IOS? LOL!!!

To be fair, Google Now is not an assistant like Siri is. I can't use Google Now to check and read my new messages and reply while driving. I can't get Google Now to check my unread emails and read them while I'm driving. I can't get Google Now to enable/disable device services such as BT, Wifi, Airplane Mode, etc. The Today screen does provide commute time. I refuse to use Google+ so suggestion from preferences is non existence. iOS users can always install the Google app to use the Google Now features but I can't get an assistant like Siri on my Android devices. They both have advantages and disadvantages.

 

[sentinelsx]

Because no one gets called "copy cats" more than Samsung.

I would argue that none of the features Apple copied from android this time were built by samsung. They are google ideas. Samsung has been openly shown to shamelessly copy their competitor however, while riding the coattails of google. I don't see the same going for the nexus, which is actually respected by even some Apple fanatics.

- A galaxy S 4 user freed by google edition (too bad the N5 wasn't available then).

 

[SpoonCody]

I would argue that none of the features Apple copied from android this time were built by samsung. They are google ideas. Samsung has been openly shown to shamelessly copy their competitor however, while riding the coattails of google. I don't see the same going for the nexus, which is actually respected by even some Apple fanatics.

- A galaxy S 4 user freed by google edition (too bad the N5 wasn't available then).

I would agree.

 

[jamezr]

To be fair, Google Now is not an assistant like Siri is. I can't use Google Now to check and read my new messages and reply while driving. I can't get Google Now to check my unread emails and read them while I'm driving. I can't get Google Now to enable/disable device services such as BT, Wifi, Airplane Mode, etc. The Today screen does provide commute time. I refuse to use Google+ so suggestion from preferences is non existence. iOS users can always install the Google app to use the Google Now features but I can't get an assistant like Siri on my Android devices. They both have advantages and disadvantages.

I agree with you......I don't think Google Now is quite as good as Siri. I don't it was intended to perform all the things Siri does like you mentioned.

----------

I would argue that none of the features Apple copied from android this time were built by samsung. They are google ideas. Samsung has been openly shown to shamelessly copy their competitor however, while riding the coattails of google. I don't see the same going for the nexus, which is actually respected by even some Apple fanatics.

- A galaxy S 4 user freed by google edition (too bad the N5 wasn't available then).

I agree with you......Never a fan of the throw everything at the wall and see what sticks approach to products either......

 

[tbayrgs]

I agree with you......I don't think Google Now is quite as good as Siri. I don't it was intended to perform all the things Siri does like you mentioned.

I wouldn't say Google Now isn't as good as Siri per se, because it's tough to do a direct comparison due to their differing functionality and intended roles. Google Now is a digital assistant but I see its role as predominantly information gathering for the user while Siri is a bit better equipped to actually assist with performing tasks.

I'm a big fan of both applications (always amazed at what Google Now offers me) but just wish each was better at doing what the other excels at, though Google Now is admittedly getting closer to Siri's capabilities, especially with the last few updates allow more hands free functionality.

 

[jamezr]

I wouldn't say Google Now isn't as good as Siri per se, because it's tough to do a direct comparison due to their differing functionality and intended roles. Google Now is a digital assistant but I see its role as predominantly information gathering for the user while Siri is a bit better equipped to actually assist with performing tasks.

I'm a big fan of both applications (always amazed at what Google Now offers me) but just wish each was better at doing what the other excels at, though Google Now is admittedly getting closer to Siri's capabilities, especially with the last few updates allow more hands free functionality.

Great point...... Have you tried Cortana from WP8? It is really great! I only had a WP8 phone for a short while but Cortana really stands out!

 

[jrswizzle]

Via apps at this point. I personally use many widgets--Dashclock on my lock screen, a calendar widget on my home screen for quick glances) but there appear to be a number of apps that provide widget functionality in the notification panel. Once upon a time I use a battery app that provided a widget in the panel, could quick launch the app or get a quick snapshot of battery performance, etc.

I loved Dashclock - in my mind widgets are most useful on the lock screen.

----------

Great point...... Have you tried Cortana from WP8? It is really great! I only had a WP8 phone for a short while but Cortana really stands out!

Too bad you've ignored me - I'd love to hear about Cortana. I have a lumia 520 and have 8.1 but haven't really had the time to test of Cortana. Would love to hear about it from someone who has used it during the normal course of smartphone usage.

----------

I would argue that none of the features Apple copied from android this time were built by samsung. They are google ideas. Samsung has been openly shown to shamelessly copy their competitor however, while riding the coattails of google. I don't see the same going for the nexus, which is actually respected by even some Apple fanatics.

- A galaxy S 4 user freed by google edition (too bad the N5 wasn't available then).

Meh, Samsung does what they do. Apple does what they need (or feel they need) to do to protect their IP.

Obviously, Sammy is doing something right. They have a massive following. I hope 2014 is the year some other Android competitors step up. Would be nice to see some competition in the Android space rather than Samsung domination.

Though I've heard and read the GS5 is killer and blows the GS4 out of the water - which I personally liked after ditching TouchWiz.

I still have a problem assigning any of the features Apple implemented to Google specifically, but whatever. Seems like that's the perception so......just glad to have additional quick glance info in the NC and the ability to add Swype.

Also REALLY excited about the continuity features. I'm all Apple (iMac, MBA, iPads) so being able to seamlessly move between them will be nice.

 

[tbayrgs]

Great point...... Have you tried Cortana from WP8? It is really great! I only had a WP8 phone for a short while but Cortana really stands out!

I haven't yet, though I've read favorable impressions. I came REALLY close to pulling the trigger on a Lumia 1020 a while back, just don't have room in my gadget lineup for another device and while I'm thoroughly intrigued by WP 8 (last used WP 7.5 and really liked it), there are just a few shortcomings in WP (translation--not playing so nice with Google services) that also keep me from committing to it, as well as some things I rely on daily in the Apple ecosystem. I'm a fan of WP design style though, for certain.

 

[Vegastouch]

What ever floats your boat I suppose. Personally I don't care who is suing who because its not how I judge whether I want a product or not. If the product is good and does what I need it to do, I buy it. I don't go through the Financial Times weighing up companies business ethics to see whether or not I should give them my money. As consumers we are equally selfish because we buy what we want for our own gains. You don't get to the top in business unless you are ruthless and Google and Apple have been suing each other for years now. You can't honestly say Apple is worse or vice versa because the criteria for judging it becomes incredibly hypocritical.

When has Google ever sued Apple?
The consumer loses when they are suing each other so you should care.

If we applied the same logic to everything we bought we wouldn't drink tea/coffee, buy fuel, clothes, or even paper. They all come from industries where exploitation and underhand business has taken place. Get over it and buy what you want because the politics behind everything is murky.

Exactly....You dont see Fender suing every company that makes replica of their guitars. Thats my point. Apple started losing some sales and got butt hurt so they sued. What if it was HTC that had to pay out that money? They arent finantualy doing well so possibly no HTC One M8 for you......but i guess you dont care. Apparently you just dont get it....oh well.

 

[spinedoc77]

I wouldn't say Google Now isn't as good as Siri per se, because it's tough to do a direct comparison due to their differing functionality and intended roles. Google Now is a digital assistant but I see its role as predominantly information gathering for the user while Siri is a bit better equipped to actually assist with performing tasks.

I'm a big fan of both applications (always amazed at what Google Now offers me) but just wish each was better at doing what the other excels at, though Google Now is admittedly getting closer to Siri's capabilities, especially with the last few updates allow more hands free functionality.

I have to jump in here because I "try" to use Google now a lot as a personal assistant and for my uses it sucks badly. Siri trounces all over it without even a 2nd thought. Google now is good at certain things, but they seem to be fluff things IMO, information I don't really need and always with that relentless push to force your eyes to look at advertising. Siri is pure, no advertising, no hidden agenda, just an honest earnestness to actually help you out. Sounds kind of creepy, but it's true.

I think Google's lack of a first party assistant is hurting them. They should stop being wimps and just perfect google now and get it out there. Alternatives like Samsungs S-voice are so god awful that it really gives consumers a bad impression and so bad that I choose to use Google now as a personal assistant flawed as it may be.

 

[Vegastouch]

Setting aside legal or business aspect, I think many still perceived apple as being the 2-faced hypocritical jerk.

What real is apple is the one that initiated all those ridiculous lawsuits with the ultimate intention to get a ban on its competitors products while at the same time borrow and copy without shame.

If you have unjust sentiment against apple it will definitely affect your desire to buy their products.

Exactly, and the consumer is the one that loses which was my point. Id still buy their products if it suited what i want. So far the iPhone does not do that.

 

[jrswizzle]

When has Google ever sued Apple?
The consumer loses when they are suing each other so you should care.



Exactly....You dont see Fender suing every company that makes replica of their guitars. Thats my point. Apple started losing some sales and got butt hurt so they sued. What if it was HTC that had to pay out that money? They arent finantualy doing well so possibly no HTC One M8 for you......but i guess you dont care. Apparently you just dont get it....oh well.

Apple's sales have increased every year since the iPhone was released....

Also, Jobs was adamant about protecting their patents from the moment the iPhone was released.

Google counter-sued Rockstar - other than that it would seem Apple hasn't ever infringed on Google's patents.

Also, if you looked at the list I gave you, you'd see that Apple is not the only one starting litigation. It's an industry-wide problem that has to be fixed at the USPTO level. Don't blame Apple for abiding by a broken system. They are just doing what they've said they will do with the laws at their disposal.

Again - not hard to license these features (as companies like HTC have done) if you really want to use something that is patented or trademarked. Apple either does this so suits aren't necessary or they simply don't infringe. Those are your two options. The idea that Google just chooses not to protect its patents is idiotic and naive. They paid billions for Moto Mobility's patents (essentially) - you don't NOT protect that investment.

----------

Setting aside legal or business aspect, I think many still perceived apple as being the 2-faced hypocritical jerk.

What real is apple is the one that initiated all those ridiculous lawsuits with the ultimate intention to get a ban on its competitors products while at the same time borrow and copy without shame.

If you have unjust sentiment against apple it will definitely affect your desire to buy their products.

Again, difference being Apple has patents and those other companies don't.

Besides, it isn't as though Apple isn't/hasn't been sued. The whole 2-faced thing is really comical coming from people who complain about Apple fans making it emotional or personal. Apple simply uses a flawed system to its advantage. If Apple was actually infringing on patents, other companies could do the same - but despite what you or anyone else says about "borrowing" or "copying", if it isn't patented too bad.

 

[0dev]

Flip phones have had predictive typing way before Android. Do you recall T9 predictive text input?

Apple did have iDisk years ago

The JB community has BiteSMS years ago probably before Android

How are widgets in the Today screen be less useful. Android can't access widgets within any app. Widgets can be accessed from within any app in iOS 8. You have to exit an app with Android and go back to the home screens to see widgets.

Are you purposely missing the point? I'm not here to argue what pre-historic dumbphones had which feature. I'm saying iOS is still playing catchup with features Android has already had for years. I'm not saying Android invented those features and Apple stole them - that's just what you want me to say because it makes for easy arguing with irrelevant examples. What I'm actually saying is that Apple is behind Google and remains so despite their best attempts at keeping up.

 

[jrswizzle]

Are you purposely missing the point? I'm not here to argue what pre-historic dumbphones had which feature. I'm saying iOS is still playing catchup with features Android has already had for years. I'm not saying Android invented those features and Apple stole them - that's just what you want me to say because it makes for easy arguing with irrelevant examples. What I'm actually saying is that Apple is behind Google in some ways and remains so despite their best attempts at keeping up.

Fixed it for you

Apple is also ahead of Google in others - like dev tools/support. It's also debatable whether features like notifications are better on iOS or Android.

 

[0dev]

Fixed it for you

Apple is also ahead of Google in others - like dev tools/support. It's also debatable whether features like notifications are better on iOS or Android.

Development for iOS is easier than Android, I'll give you that... but as far as user facing features go, iOS has nothing over Android, while Android is still a lot more customisable and is subject to far less censorship (just the other week Apple removed a popular game because it "promotes illegal activities"... yet GTA is still allowed?) among other things. All things considered Android is still ahead of iOS as far as user facing features go.

 

[jrswizzle]

Development for iOS is easier than Android, I'll give you that... but as far as user facing features go, iOS has nothing over Android, while Android is still a lot more customisable and is subject to far less censorship (just the other week Apple removed a popular game because it "promotes illegal activities"... yet GTA is still allowed?) among other things. All things considered Android is still ahead of iOS as far as user facing features go.

As far as quantity of user facing features? Or quality? Because I would argue pretty objectively that some features are better on iOS than Android.