Those who have switched to Android, what are your thoughts?

[Vegastouch]

imessage is probably the most used platform, maybe save for some platforms used within China. It’s the most reliable, no installation required and ios users don't have to barter with other iOS users as to what competing platform to use.

iMessage is also secure as one doesn’t have to worry about where the encryption keys are and will they be turned over to government.

But enjoy your messaging platform, there’s room enough aplenty for all of them.

Those that don't commit a crime don't have to worry about being turned over to the government. Who is thinking about that anyways? I've no problem or worry using any message app.
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Plenty people in America use Hangouts. I personally don't because the earlier versions turned me off, and was never tempted to try it again.

Google Voice, I and many others in America use it for multi platform Visual Voicemail. IMO, it's the best voicemail service and completely free. I also use Google Voice if I'm selling or buying something on Craigslist or the Letgo app. Works great as a secondary number for calling and texting.

I use Hangouts and quite often. Only thing I don't like about it is you cant delete single messages. You have to delete the whole conversation history with that person and start another. Which can be ok but I like to keep past texts with them for the posted pics we shared.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Those that don't commit a crime don't have to worry about being turned over to the government. Who is thinking about that anyways? I've no problem or worry using any message app.
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I use Hangouts and quite often. Only thing I don't like about it is you cant delete single messages. You have to delete the whole conversation history with that person and start another. Which can be ok but I like to keep past texts with them for the posted pics we shared.

I used to use hangouts on android but I'm not really sure what's happening with it now. Are google phasing it out in favour of Duo and Allo?

It's a bit confusing.
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imessage is probably the most used platform, maybe save for some platforms used within China. It’s the most reliable, no installation required and ios users don't have to barter with other iOS users as to what competing platform to use.

iMessage is also secure as one doesn’t have to worry about where the encryption keys are and will they be turned over to government.

But enjoy your messaging platform, there’s room enough aplenty for all of them.

I don't think iMessage is as popular as it is in the US in Europe, especially when iPhone market share is quite low in some of the European counties like Spain, Italy and France.

However if you are on iOS and your contacts are on iOS then then imessage is a no brainer. I'm in the UK, I'd say my contacts are about 70% android and 30 % iOS. However even some of my contacts on iOS prefer to use WhatsApp. I only use imessage with some of my family members. The rest its WhatsApp. My husband uses android phones so we have to use whatsapp.

 

[Vegastouch]

I used to use hangouts on android but I'm not really sure what's happening with it now. Are google phasing it out in favour of Duo and Allo?

It's a bit confusing.

Not sure. I haven't been keeping up too well.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Not sure. I think you have to pay for Duo though so I would think they wouldn't phase it out to make you pay. I'm not gonna pay for Duo.

I wouldn't pay for it. There's no value in it for me because my iPhone is my daily driver. Even if I moved over to android I could use whatsApp and that's free. Most of my contacts are not going to use hangouts. I think it's too late in the day for any new messaging service from Google to get any traction. People have already decided what service they want to use. We have people who won't switch platforms because of messaging services.

 

[Vegastouch]

I wouldn't pay for it. There's no value in it for me because my iPhone is my daily driver. Even if I moved over to android I could use whatsApp and that's free. Most of my contacts are not going to use hangouts. I think it's too late in the day for any new messaging service from Google to get any traction. People have already decided what service they want to use. We have people who won't switch platforms because of messaging services.

Well I'm not sure. Looks to be free. There is some other Google service coming that your sign up for and they let you know when it's ready and you can get the app but it won't work yet.
I don't recall what that was but that one you will have to pay for. I already deleted it when I saw it was gonna cost money.

 

[I7guy]

Those that don't commit a crime don't have to worry about being turned over to the government. Who is thinking about that anyways? I've no problem or worry using any message app.

It’s not about the government seizing your information only if you commit a crime.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

It’s not about the government seizing your information only if you commit a crime.

Then what?

 

[Vegastouch]

It’s not about the government seizing your information only if you commit a crime.

Iol why else would the government get your info or track you?

 

[I7guy]

Iol why else would the government get your info or track you?

Some whistleblower gave up their life to show what the govt will do.

 

[mi7chy]

Fear mongering is silly. Organizations aren't going to spend the resources on human and technology to spy on everyone. They only care about data loss prevention and criminal activity which is expensive as is to capture, analyze and store for only a subset of all data.

 

[sunking101]

Fear mongering is silly. Organizations aren't going to spend the resources on human and technology to spy on everyone. They only care about data loss prevention and criminal activity which is expensive as is to capture, analyze and store for only a subset of all data.

Wrong. That is exactly what they spend resources on, and also get us schmucks to spend our resources on to help them (smartphones, computers, smart TV, smart meters etc.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

Fear mongering is silly. Organizations aren't going to spend the resources on human and technology to spy on everyone. They only care about data loss prevention and criminal activity which is expensive as is to capture, analyze and store for only a subset of all data.

Spying on consumers is a multi billion dollar industry. From using data brokers to software, companies want to know every little thing about you. They would hack into our brains if possible.

 

[Sackofnickels]

Note: I realize that this thread is mainly focused on Android, but I need the opinions of past or current iPhone users, as I’ve mainly always been an iPhone user and I want to see other iPhone users’ thoughts.

I've been back and forth between iOS and Android over the years, but I always tend to stick with iPhones longer. The last time I was on Android full time was in 2013-2014. Lately, I got out my old Galaxy Note 3 and put a custom ROM on it that's basically stock Android 7. I've been using it side-by-side with my iPhone 7+, and I'm actually loving it. Now I'm stuck about how I'm going to upgrade my phone (iOS or Android).


What I like about iOS:

• Feels like home - I've always just preferred it for some reason.
• Ecosystem
• Everything is high quality - apps, the OS, the build of the phone, the functions of the phone
• "It just works."
• The long term OS updates
• Social status - Yeah, I know I might get some hate for this, but it does sit in the back of my mind, even though I know some Android phones are just as expensive.
• Seems better in college socially (which I am in college) - iMessage, AirDrop, Find My Friends, Snapchat works better
• The privacy and security
• Reachability
• Apply Pay

What I don't like about iOS:

• I'm getting seriously sick of how iOS operates. I'm not even sure what it is I'm annoyed with exactly, I just feel annoyed and am craving a change.
• The lack of flexibility. I can't even tell Siri to play a certain song on Spotify.
• (Not software but) Super expensive iPhone X price

What I like about Android:

• The flexibility and customization.
• Google Assistant - much smarter and more intuitive than Siri
• Intelligence - the built-in song recognition of the Pixel 2, and the automatic travel times, weather, etc. notifications; they all seem really useful. I know I can get some of these features on iOS, but it doesn’t seem as intuitive.
• The notifications
• (Not software but) the quality of the Pixel cameras

What I don't like about Android:

• Unpredictability of longevity - Whether it's Google just randomly ditching projects, or lack of software updates on non-pixel phones, or degrading performance over time, it always seem the longevity of the devices are uncertain
• Lower app quality
• Google's spying/lack of care for privacy
• Lower security
• Lower resale values
• Google Play Store is so much worse than the App Store imo.

Those of you that have been on Android lately, how are you liking it/did you like it? What’re your thoughts on Android devices and the software in general today?

Stopped reading after the "feels like home" and "eco system" comments. Just another person wondering if the grass is greener on the other side. Give me some concrete examples of what you like or dislike about each platform and then we will talk.

It always seems to boil down to iMessage or the eco system. I've even read some people take the color of a person's texts into consideration when dating and meeting people. It's a wild crazy world out there. Everyone has their criteria.

For business use I deal with people using both. We text and do business using both platforms. Judging them based on their phone choice never crossed my mind and is juvenile.

As far as the eco system thing goes... FaceTime is the only feature I have not been able to replace. I see it more as a hinderance than a feature. This eco system thing is overrated and is just an excuse for those who think Apple is superior.

For the record, I have no Android devices, I use all Apple as does most of my family. I feel I'm handicapped based on what else is out there and usable.

 

[FFR]

Stopped reading after the "feels like home" and "eco system" comments. Just another person wondering if the grass is greener on the other side. Give me some concrete examples of what you like or dislike about each platform and then we will talk.

It always seems to boil down to iMessage or the eco system. I've even read some people take the color of a person's texts into consideration when dating and meeting people. It's a wild crazy world out there. Everyone has their criteria.

For business use I deal with people using both. We text and do business using both platforms. Judging them based on their phone choice never crossed my mind and is juvenile.

As far as the eco system thing goes... FaceTime is the only feature I have not been able to replace. I see it more as a hinderance than a feature. This eco system thing is overrated and is just an excuse for those who think Apple is superior.

For the record, I have no Android devices, I use all Apple as does most of my family. I feel I'm handicapped based on what else is out there and usable.

First time I ever heard anyone call FaceTime a hindrance.
I actually find it superior in quality to making a normal call and prefer FaceTime audio as my primary medium of communication.

 

[Heineken]

First time I ever heard anyone call FaceTime a hindrance.
I actually find it superior in quality to making a normal call and prefer FaceTime audio as my primary medium of communication.

If HD voice is not available then FaceTime offers much better quality than standard phone calls.
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Those that don't commit a crime don't have to worry about being turned over to the government. Who is thinking about that anyways? I've no problem or worry using any message app.

OH MY GOD, dude, just think for a second before posting. No one should ever commit a crime, but what i do, what kind of messages i send, etc., is my business and my business alone. If you let some in and you will stand in their way one day, they will use that info to deal with you.

 

[Sackofnickels]

First time I ever heard anyone call FaceTime a hindrance.
I actually find it superior in quality to making a normal call and prefer FaceTime audio as my primary medium of communication.

Let me rephrase that... To me FaceTime is too "restrictive". Since I can only use it with another Apple devise, it prevents a user from interacting with others that prefer a different phone. If the goal is simplicity, with advertisements that promote ease of use and convenience, restricting an app to only work with the same branded products is very limiting. I understand the purpose, but do not agree with the practice.

Yet on the other hand, without things like iMessage or FaceTime, Apple would be like all the other companies. So again living in the eco system is a must to use Apple, but I do not see it as a paradise, I see it more as a halfway house.

 

[FFR]

Let me rephrase that... To me FaceTime is too "restrictive". Since I can only use it with another Apple devise, it prevents a user from interacting with others that prefer a different phone. If the goal is simplicity, with advertisements that promote ease of use and convenience, restricting an app to only work with the same branded products is very limiting. I understand the purpose, but do not agree with the practice.

Yet on the other hand, without things like iMessage or FaceTime, Apple would be like all the other companies. So again living in the eco system is a must to use Apple, but I do not see it as a paradise, I see it more as a halfway house.

Far from restrictive to the iPhone user, they can call on the network, or use sms or any messaging app, but most iPhone users choose to stick with what came with the phone. If the other person wants to use a FaceTime or iMessage they should have gotten an iPhone.


Half way house?
You want Apple to open up the standard and then compare it to a half way house.

 

[sunking101]

When I had an iPhone I never used Facetime, not even once, and now I have an Android phone I don't use the equivalent Whatsapp or Skype etc videocalls. I find them far too invasive. Strange how some features pass folk by whilst others lap them up.

 

[SteveJUAE]

When I had an iPhone I never used Facetime, not even once, and now I have an Android phone I don't use the equivalent Whatsapp or Skype etc videocalls. I find them far too invasive. Strange how some features pass folk by whilst others lap them up.

Easy to pass you buy if you can afford it but there is millions of migrant workers around the world who can't afford international dialing rates to call home

 

[sunking101]

Easy to pass you buy if you can afford it but there is millions of migrant workers around the world who can't afford international dialing rates to call home

I mean video calling, it passed me by. Nobody needs to see me talking, they just need to hear me talking.

 

[Shanghaichica]

I mean video calling, it passed me by. Nobody needs to see me talking, they just need to hear me talking.

I think there are occasions when you might want to do it. Maybe with family. My two year old spent a few days with my mum and aunt at their holiday caravan last month and we face timed whilst he was there. Last year when my mum went on holiday she faced timed my son a few times. My cousin is away travelling in Thailand and Australia so we FaceTime.

So in certain circumstances it’s appropriate for me but not all the time.

 

[jamezr]

I think there are occasions when you might want to do it. Maybe with family. My two year old spent a few days with my mum and aunt at their holiday caravan last month and we face timed whilst he was there. Last year when my mum went on holiday she faced timed my son a few times. My cousin is away travelling in Thailand and Australia so we FaceTime.

So in certain circumstances it’s appropriate for me but not all the time.

My mom facetimes with my son at least 2 a week. Its funny cause she is 84 and he is 10. He is so comfortable with the technology and my mom is kinda uneasy with it all

 

[Pipper99]

I've been enjoying a new Note 8 for a week, but I'd like to find an email app that mimics an iOS Mail feature. In Gmail, Samsung Mail, and Outlook, when I'm in an individual email and tap Delete, the app takes me back to the email list instead of moving to the next email. Is there a setting that I'm missing to enable this behavior, or is there an email app that functions this way?

 

[mi7chy]

I've been enjoying a new Note 8 for a week, but I'd like to find an email app that mimics an iOS Mail feature. In Gmail, Samsung Mail, and Outlook, when I'm in an individual email and tap Delete, the app takes me back to the email list instead of moving to the next email. Is there a setting that I'm missing to enable this behavior, or is there an email app that functions this way?

Aqua Mail has that feature under Settings > Message View > After deleting a message:

Options
- Go back to the message list (default)
- Go to previous message (newer)
- Go to next message (older)

It's also the best email app I've tried on any mobile platform in terms of reliability handling four or more email accounts, stability, customizations, features, gestures and responsiveness. Well worth the $10 for the Pro version.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.kman.AquaMail

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.kman.AquaMail.UnlockerMarket

 

[Vegastouch]

Aqua Mail has that feature under Settings > Message View > After deleting a message:

Options
- Go back to the message list (default)
- Go to previous message (newer)
- Go to next message (older)

It's also the best email app I've tried on any mobile platform in terms of reliability handling four or more email accounts, stability, customizations, features, gestures and responsiveness. Well worth the $10 for the Pro version.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.kman.AquaMail

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.kman.AquaMail.UnlockerMarket

Personally I like it going to the list but nice to have options. I use Bluemail and by default it goes to the list. Don't know if you can make it go to the next eMail or not.