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What would make Android more appealing to you iOS users?
- Thread starter The Robot Cow
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You can change the UI to be literally anything you want. This is why I think the nexus 4 is the ultimate device (and Moto X of course).
i have both and what i personally dislike about android is that everything looks different and theres no real guideline how to develop apps. i love the consistancy of everything on iOS. i cant wait what all those apps updated to iOS7 "flat" design will look like.
the UI itself is nice but ugh most apps literally look like crap. its like u got an pretty and clean 2013 OS UI but most apps look like they were made in 2003
oh and of course androids way of updating. even on the nexus i dont understand why i have to wait for google to push me an update. why cant i just download a file like an ispw from the google page and simply install it from my computer
the UI itself is nice but ugh most apps literally look like crap. its like u got an pretty and clean 2013 OS UI but most apps look like they were made in 2003
oh and of course androids way of updating. even on the nexus i dont understand why i have to wait for google to push me an update. why cant i just download a file like an ispw from the google page and simply install it from my computer
Hardly anyone knows all the things you can do.
Check out http://lifehacker.com/everything-you-didnt-know-you-could-do-with-google-voi-512727229
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There are guidelines, but Google has chosen not to enforce them in any way. People don't complain about the apps looking crap. iOS developers live in mortal terror that the looks of their app will determine their success, most Android developers don't care nearly as much as long as it works.
I'm just waiting for Apple to show off the 5S. I'm jumping ship after this release more than likely. There isn't much that I need to convince me. I do wish that vanilla android was available on all phones though.
There are airplay alternatives. Chromecast is released and Android also can stream to DNLA/UPnP devices.
I'm curious why you would need an iMessage competitor though. Google is supposedly planning to integrate hangouts into messaging but what purpose would that serve when there are so many alternatives like SMS, Facebook, Google Talk, Whatsapp, etc...
If you're looking for a desktop solution then look no further.
http://www.http://mightytext.net and http://www.airdroid.com will fill the gap on the desktop.
There are airplay alternatives. Chromecast is released and Android also can stream to DNLA/UPnP devices.
I'm curious why you would need an iMessage competitor though. Google is supposedly planning to integrate hangouts into messaging but what purpose would that serve when there are so many alternatives like SMS, Facebook, Google Talk, Whatsapp, etc...
If you're looking for a desktop solution then look no further.
http://www.http://mightytext.net and http://www.airdroid.com will fill the gap on the desktop.
Design, apps, upgradeability, and maybe hardware. I think Android looks pretty geeky and Linux-y, and is generally an inconsistent mess. The design problem is augmented when you go through the Play Store, which also has a limited catalogue for the apps I enjoy/use. I would obviously go with a Nexus device which makes upgradeability a dead issue, but the hardware on the Nexus devices tends to be good, not great. I almost wish they would take a Pixel move and release a really high-end, impeccably built Nexus that sells for a bit more. I strongly dislike the iOS 7 aesthetic, but it provides powerful tools for making fun, interactive apps that don't exist on Android. I'm currently working on one now, so I'll be with iOS for quite some time.
Chromecast has the potential but is still a long ways off from being an equal to AirPlay. DNLA/UPnP streaming I've found to be inconsistent at best--I have 3 devices from differing manufacturers in my home and my phone never sees all or sometimes any of them. Regardless, while they are options, nothing is as seemless as using iOS/OS X and an Apple TV, especially for mirroring....right now.
None of those messaging options is as robust or seamless as iMessage, primarily because it seems iMessage has the greatest sample of users already always connected. I also find sending multimedia via iMessage to be best. If I sampled my contacts, SMS then iMessage would cover the greatest number (I realize this wouldn't necessarily apply to everyone). And if they don't use iOS, it automatically uses SMS without skipping a beat. If this functionality could be integrated into Hangouts, it would be a winner, IMO.
These are probably the two elements of the Apple Ecosystem I miss most (not enough to lure me back to the iPhone, not even close
), though other can provide apps/workaround provide most, if not all of the functionality in Android--just isn't quite a seamless.So you "prefer" seeing ads for feminine hygiene products, the latest drug lawsuit, reverse mortgages, and a ton of other crap you have no use for rather than ads for stuff you might actually be interested in? Ok then.
Michael
Ads are ads.. shrug. They're necessary to run a site but, honestly, it's not like I notice them or click on them... why would I care what they're for.
It's not like I get mad when a television advert comes on for some car company or whatever..
My Bluetooth on my GS3 connects every time to my car. The only issue I have with it is my phone book doesn't always load and when I say their name, it isn't recognised but that's the cars issue. Toyotas it loads the phone book and it stays in there.
I have a 2013 Nissan Altima now and it doesn't. Only sometimes it loads the contacts and they don't stay in memory which is frustrating.
I have a 2013 Nissan Altima now and it doesn't. Only sometimes it loads the contacts and they don't stay in memory which is frustrating.
So now it comes down to that you are simply upset that the ads that you neither notice nor click on are being targetted to you? Alrighty then. Be upset lol.
Michael
Where did I ever say I was upset? I just stated a personal preference to not have targeted ads.
For me personally the following:
A GS4 with a 4.3" screen like the mini, but with the processor and camera of the larger 5" one.
App permission control on Android similar to iOS. I dislike the fact that Android Apps are granted all permissions they want including access to contacts and accounts. On iOS you can deny such permissions when an app asks for the first time.
A Google developed desktop sync option. The iphone does a great job of syncing PIM data as well as music, audiobook reading position, etc. And it does it with both Mac and Windows. Manufacturer developed solutions like Kies don't cut it.
A good well integrated online solution like iCloud. You can't even sync Google tasks (reminders) without a third party app on Android. Google online services don't seem well integrated or consistent.
A crapware free experience. I don't want to root just to remove some carrier installed Apps that are mostly for paid services no one uses and just consume RAM. (ATT Navigator I am pointing at you)
Timely software updates direct from Google. This is already available on the play edition devices, but they are way too expensive without carrier subsidizing.
A GS4 with a 4.3" screen like the mini, but with the processor and camera of the larger 5" one.
App permission control on Android similar to iOS. I dislike the fact that Android Apps are granted all permissions they want including access to contacts and accounts. On iOS you can deny such permissions when an app asks for the first time.
A Google developed desktop sync option. The iphone does a great job of syncing PIM data as well as music, audiobook reading position, etc. And it does it with both Mac and Windows. Manufacturer developed solutions like Kies don't cut it.
A good well integrated online solution like iCloud. You can't even sync Google tasks (reminders) without a third party app on Android. Google online services don't seem well integrated or consistent.
A crapware free experience. I don't want to root just to remove some carrier installed Apps that are mostly for paid services no one uses and just consume RAM. (ATT Navigator I am pointing at you)
Timely software updates direct from Google. This is already available on the play edition devices, but they are way too expensive without carrier subsidizing.
Google now does reminders and syncs between devices.
Nexus devices? If people would vote with their wallets, this wouldn't be a problem.
Nexus devices, again, are the solution here. Unfortunately, people keep buying free on contract, carrier crapware filled, Touchwiz skinned phones.
Better battery life, quality apps like those found on iOS (Tweetbot, Clear, OmniFocus, Things, Poster, Scratch, etc), less fragmentation (longer manufacturer support at least 3 years, smoother UI (no lag), higher quality design like the HTC One.
I know about Google Now, but it can't be compared to an actual full fledged task manager with task lists, priorities, etc.
As I said in my previous post, Nexus/Play edition devices are expensive for the average costumer. Not many will be willing to pay $650 for a Play edition S4 when they can get the regular one for $200 on contract.
And most non-tech savy people have no idea that their phone has an skinned/crapped version of Android. They just know their phone is running Android. It is like Desktop Linux, non techies just know there is and OS called Linux and have no idea about different DE or distros.
I have to agree. Google Now does an okay job, but Siri worked much better for how I use my phone.
I'm considering a switch from my all-Apple universe simply because I want a smrtphone with a larger screen (~4.7") and Apple continues to refuse to give its customers any options re: screen. Plus I'm not impressed with iOS 7 UI. Here are the drawbacks to a switch as I observe them:
1) Expense of Google Play device when I have an upgrade currently available but refuse to sign on for crapware/bloatware and unreliable updates on a carrier Android device.
2) Each Android device I am considering has a major drawback:
HTC One: Mediocre camera
S4: Dim screen in bright light
Nexus 4: No LTE and mediocre camera, battery life
3) Time/annoyance/difficulty of switching contacts/photos, etc. to Google.
4) Loss of iCloud to link my MBA, Apple TV, iPad, and iPhone 5. Also, my entire extended family uses iMessage to communicate.
All this being said, I am still strongly considering a switch. I bought an inexpensive 2013 Nexus 7 tablet to explore Android and have really admired what I've experienced, although it's a tad small/long in landscape mode at 7" and the giant bezels are unattractive. Beautiful screen and very smooth UI (with 4.3 update), though. Thus far, I've found all my favorite apps available for Android. And I love the notifications and control center!
I do suspect Apple may take a beating in the tech press/stock market when the 5S is announced and the general public downloads iOS 7. I can't be the only frustrated long-term Apple enthusiast. It says a lot that I am looking around as I have been a major fan for a long time.
1) Expense of Google Play device when I have an upgrade currently available but refuse to sign on for crapware/bloatware and unreliable updates on a carrier Android device.
2) Each Android device I am considering has a major drawback:
HTC One: Mediocre camera
S4: Dim screen in bright light
Nexus 4: No LTE and mediocre camera, battery life
3) Time/annoyance/difficulty of switching contacts/photos, etc. to Google.
4) Loss of iCloud to link my MBA, Apple TV, iPad, and iPhone 5. Also, my entire extended family uses iMessage to communicate.
All this being said, I am still strongly considering a switch. I bought an inexpensive 2013 Nexus 7 tablet to explore Android and have really admired what I've experienced, although it's a tad small/long in landscape mode at 7" and the giant bezels are unattractive. Beautiful screen and very smooth UI (with 4.3 update), though. Thus far, I've found all my favorite apps available for Android. And I love the notifications and control center!
I do suspect Apple may take a beating in the tech press/stock market when the 5S is announced and the general public downloads iOS 7. I can't be the only frustrated long-term Apple enthusiast. It says a lot that I am looking around as I have been a major fan for a long time.
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I'm considering a switch from my all-Apple universe simply because I want a smrtphone with a larger screen (~4.7") and Apple continues to refuse to give its customers any options re: screen. Plus I'm not impressed with iOS 7 UI. Here are the drawbacks to a switch as I observe them:
1) Expense of Google Play device when I have an upgrade currently available but refuse to sign on for crapware/bloatware and unreliable updates on a carrier Android device.
2) Each Android device I am considering has a major drawback:
HTC One: Mediocre camera
S4: Dim screen in bright light
Nexus 4: No LTE and mediocre camera, battery life
3) Time/annoyance/difficulty of switching contacts/photos, etc. to Google.
4) Loss of iCloud to link my MBA, Apple TV, iPad, and iPhone 5. Also, my entire extended family uses iMessage to communicate.
All this being said, I am still strongly considering a switch. I bought an inexpensive 2013 Nexus 7 tablet to explore Android and have really admired what I've experienced, although it's a tad small/long in landscape mode at 7" and the giant bezels are unattractive. Beautiful screen and very smooth UI (with 4.3 update), though. Thus far, I've found all my favorite apps available for Android. And I love the notifications and control center!
I do suspect Apple may take a beating in the tech press/stock market when the 5S is announced and the general public downloads iOS 7. I can't be the only frustrated long-term Apple enthusiast. It says a lot that I am looking around as I have been a major fan for a long time.
Lol well look no android phone is going to be perfect. You just have to take the negative qualities and see which one you can live with best. Is the camera more important than the screen? Personally, I don't see the obsession with smart phone cameras. If you're a big camera person, then you should be on real cameras, otherwise I think the choices we have now are pretty adequate. That being said rooting and then flashing a ROM is the best cost-effective approach to unbloating the device you plan on getting.
Well I have a Canon DSLR and plenty of lenses that take wonderful pictures but my iPhone 5 (and 4S) have captured many moments with fantastic pix when I didn't have my big camera and heavy lenses with me. Shockingly good pics for a phone! And even the iPhone 5 is not great in direct sunlight so I'd want to improve on that, not go backwards. Like you said, it's pretty much a compromise whatever you choose.
Also, forgot to mention that, for me, after playing with the Nexus 7, the physical home button on my iPhone 5 seems a little old-school.
All this being said, it is only my opinion and I totally understand why many who don't desire a bigger screen or more flexibility/customization are completely satisfied with their iPhones and the Apple ecosystem which are very well thought-out and integrated..
Google seems to have no intention of supporting Exchange properly.
Applications go into a suspend mode if they aren't used, the exception being applications that show up in Ongoing in the notifications like Pandora. Also "battery defender" apps actually cause more battery drainage when they are set to auto because they close frozen services and then the OS has to expend cycles to restart them. Thus more power is used... then the cycle starts all over again.
I will somewhat agree on this as the tablet portion is severely lacking. Also if the app is written properly, barring performance issues if you have a slower phone there should be no problem. Scaling is handled quite well in Android when it comes to multiple resolutions.
Find a good launcher, you can even backup launcher settings typically and move them from device to device. I know with Launcher Pro this was possible. I don't believe a more powerful launcher is even on Google's radar at this moment in time.
I will agree with you here, however it seems to be getting better. I've noticed my Nexus devices reload everything, including app settings.
I've gone through so many phones, repaired many phones and been the advice guy on many phones. Since 4.0 I have noticed that app crashing hardly ever happens anymore. As for Kernal panics, I have not yet come across any kernal panic on an Android device that didn't involve a modded Kernal for overclocking. I don't think this is an issue at all. I've noticed far more app crashes on my iPad however... but I do believe that in both systems this is just down to crappy apps.
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What's wrong with androids exchange?
I'm on GS4 GPE on corporate exchange using default 4.3 apps. All seems well.
I'm on GS4 GPE on corporate exchange using default 4.3 apps. All seems well.
Try this https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.android_rsap.irmc
I had the same problem with my VW