Which way did iOS 7 push you?

[mib1800]

I appreciate what you are saying about a 'deeper OS' with Android, but in the grand scheme of things its only a very small number of consumers who demand the levels of freedom that you guys discuss here. Not 'everybody' (there's that word again) is into the geek stuff.

The reason iOS sells so well is because it works so well. Sure you are restricted in comparison to Android in terms of more technical stuff, but what exactly do most people need to do that they can't on an iPhone? I'm yet to find something where I think, wow I wish I could do that. I can text, email, look at all my social networking, make calls, change the wallpaper if I wish, surf the net, use a variety of apps, facetime friends and family, listen to music, use as a sat nav...The list goes on. The way I see it Android is just a different OS that allows the user to do all the things I have listed, just in a different way. Basic tasks really. I know there is a competition here to prove why one is better than the other, but in all reality both OS's serve different needs in the market and I can't honestly say one is superior than the other because I've used both and know what I want from a personal perspective. What I want may not be what others likes and vice versa. Its just personal taste and nothing can really be crowned as king here.

If you want to be so superficial about it, then it is also true that nothing that an iphone can do that a dumb feature phone can't. Just like in a exam, it takes minimal effort to pass but to excel you need to put in hard work. Iphone can easily passed the exam but it can't really excel because it just does not do some things well (or efficiently) or has the extra capability to make it stand out.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

If you want to be so superficial about it, then it is also true that nothing that an iphone can do that a dumb feature phone can't. Just like in a exam, it takes minimal effort to pass but to excel you need to put in hard work. Iphone can easily passed the exam but it can't really excel because it just does not do some things well (or efficiently) or has the extra capability to make it stand out.

That may well be true, but then again I'm not in the insecure crowd desperately seeking to prove my phone is better than anybody else's. I made my choice, it does what it needs and I don't feel the need to rubbish others choices simply to feel better. I enjoy reading about what's on the market and unlike many, I'm not loyal to any particular brand. I buy what I like or enjoy using and I think much of the consumer market work on this basis. Some of the petty feature arguments here only really matter to the geeks with most people settling into the basic needs of today's smartphones. Just my opinion of course.

 

[onthecouchagain]

I appreciate what you are saying about a 'deeper OS' with Android, but in the grand scheme of things its only a very small number of consumers who demand the levels of freedom that you guys discuss here. Not 'everybody' (there's that word again) is into the geek stuff.

The reason iOS sells so well is because it works so well. Sure you are restricted in comparison to Android in terms of more technical stuff, but what exactly do most people need to do that they can't on an iPhone? I'm yet to find something where I think, wow I wish I could do that. I can text, email, look at all my social networking, make calls, change the wallpaper if I wish, surf the net, use a variety of apps, facetime friends and family, listen to music, use as a sat nav...The list goes on. The way I see it Android is just a different OS that allows the user to do all the things I have listed, just in a different way. Basic tasks really. I know there is a competition here to prove why one is better than the other, but in all reality both OS's serve different needs in the market and I can't honestly say one is superior than the other because I've used both and know what I want from a personal perspective. What I want may not be what others likes and vice versa. Its just personal taste and nothing can really be crowned as king here.

Android can do more especially when it comes to customization, but I'd say even the basic functions that you speak of are more easily accomplished on Android. I've posted many times about this before, how it's time to recognize that Android is the better OS not just because it's customizable, but also because, at this point in time, it's actually an easier to use OS overall.

I don't know how many times I've had to help family members or colleagues or even friends figure out how to use their iPhone (trying to get pictures onto or off their phone, for example can be extremely frustrating when they don't have the latest iTunes or it's not syncing the right way or when they are requesting a little more flexibility like syncing only certain things but not others. With Android, it's just drag and drop, done).

iOS has brought itself further with Control Center but, once again, it isn't as flexible as the widgets/toggles of Android (Power Toggles single handedly owns Control Center and owns stock Android's control panel, too, for that matter).

I said it best here:

I think it's time to admit that Android is better for more reasons than just customization.

It's simply easier to do most of the same basic functions on a modern day Android device than on an iOS device. I can make a phone call to a very specific person with literally one touch, as oppose to requiring multiple touches and/or holding for Siri and speaking (not always practical in a place you can't or don't want to talk) and waiting for Siri to dial the right person. One touch on Android that is guaranteed the right person.

It's easier to open new tabs, or switch tabs, or start private browsing on Chrome than it is to do any of that in Safari. Safari has tap to go back to the top that is one advantage, but not much else. The freedom of scrolling all the way to the top with one flick in Chrome also helps mitigate this.

Accessing mail is easier through Gmail if you have multiple accounts. Sharing is easier because you can actually share to any app you want, as oppose to iOS only allowing you to share to FB/Twitter. DropBox, for example, I can share directly to if I snap a picture, check it out from the camera gallery, and decide I want to load this onto DropBox. I can do this right away. With iOS, I have to exit and go to DropBox and find the picture again to "upload" it.

Then things like the dedicated menu button or the dedicated back button; always there, always reliable. With iOS, sometimes the settings is in the main iOS Settings area, sometimes it's in the app. With the "back" button on iOS, sometimes it's top left, sometimes top right, sometimes it's a "cancel" button on the center-bottom of screen. You have to "look" for it many times.

These are but a few examples. I can go on about turning on/off WiFi, Bluetooth, the lock screen when I don't need the added security, or quickly changing the volume toggles (yes there's a "vibrate" hardware switch but when in an important meeting, even vibrating can be heard and unwanted) -- all these things are doable with Android with one touch. One.

I can launch any app I want directly from the lock screen. Again, easier, faster access.

And don't get me started on the keyboard...

There are a few exceptions, of course, but it's time people realize that most of the things that iOS used to be better at are now either on fair grounds or has been surpassed by Android this day and age. It's not just customizations anymore -- that's now just a bonus. Android has figured out how to do most of the same basic functions in better, faster, easier ways.

And:

I've said the same thing many times before. It's not just about number of taps, per se (remember, that was just a simple example). It's also about ease of use. It's about finding things easier.

It's about being able to access settings right away (and not have to navigate out of the app you want to configure to go into the operating system's Settings section and then finding the app again to configure it).

It's about having a dedicated back button that is always there in the same place (as oppose to looking for the back or cancel or return button -- and yes, that "navigation bar" takes up space where there is so little to spare already).

It's about widgets giving you information right away, even in your lock screen.

It's about the non-obtrusive notifications that Android employs (I still can't believe iOS users find it acceptable that after years, all Apple could come up with to notify you is a banner that drops down that covers and blocks the top of the phone. How is blocking visibility and usage part of Apple's software philosophy?).

It's about not having to input my goddamn password every time I download an app (and remember, only recently did iOS finally not boot you out of the App Store when you began a download).

It's about the freedom to attach anything I want to an email; freedom to share things immediately to any app I have installed (not just to FB and Twitter); freedom to choose what keyboard (and thus method of typing) fits me best; freedom to choose what browser I want to explore the internet with; and so forth.

I say again, for all those people who keep talking about "preference being the most important thing," you're sure not appreciating what Android allows. It's precisely the freedom to prefer whatever you want.

Android's just a more flexible, more mature OS. iOS 7 is bringing things to dedicated iOS users that I think will be great for them, but nothing screams it's time to go back to iOS.

Not yet anyway:

Now this is really interesting: http://www.phonearena.com/news/Apple-testing-new-gestures-folder-improvements-in-iOS-7_id44178#2-

Apple is testing swiping gestures from the edge and the corners that will work from anywhere on iOS.

I hope it makes it to iOS 7 before official release. I still think it's a shame they didn't make a Zephyr-like gesture up to go back home. Can't wait until they get rid of the physical button. Time to move into the future, Apple. And gesturing (with larger screens: https://www.macrumors.com/2013/06/13/apple-considering-4-7-and-5-7-screens-for-2014-iphone-models/) is definitely the way to do it.

 

[iPhonemaster5S]

I didn't forget that for a minute. But I am also not of the group that feels a 4" screen is absolutely trumped by anything bigger, ever. I honestly think Apple knocked it out of the park with this update. So many of the things that I jailbroke for are here with this release. In fact, I am not sure I can think of a reason to jailbreak after this update, expect maybe 5 icon dock, which is certainly something I could live without.

I honestly feel like nearly every iPhone running iOS7 is going to feel like a new phone. Apple needed a refresh, and they did it. Hats off to them, in my book anyway.

This perfectly sums up what I think they were hoping for and I agree completely its so nice and refreshed. Before this update I was about to hop on over to Samsung. I also jailbroke to get these things that iOS 7 offers stock, there really isn't much of a reason to jailbreak which I think Apple would be happy about that considering their stance on jailbreaking. The question now is will the next iPhone be good enough to warrant upgrading.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Android can do more especially when it comes to customization, but I'd say even the basic functions that you speak of are more easily accomplished on Android. I've posted many times about this before, how it's time to recognize that Android is the better OS not just because it's customizable, but also because, at this point in time, it's actually an easier to use OS overall.

I don't know how many times I've had to help family members or colleagues or even friends figure out how to use their iPhone (trying to get pictures onto or off their phone, for example can be extremely frustrating when they don't have the latest iTunes or it's not syncing the right way or when they are requesting a little more flexibility like syncing only certain things but not others. With Android, it's just drag and drop, done).

iOS has brought itself further with Control Center but, once again, it isn't as flexible as the widgets/toggles of Android (Power Toggles single handedly owns Control Center and owns stock Android's control panel, too, for that matter).

Android's just a more flexible, more mature OS. iOS 7 is bringing things to dedicated iOS users that I think will be great for them, but nothing screams it's time to go back to iOS.

Not yet anyway:

I had many issues with Android during the 4 years I used it. Don't forget I am new to iOS so its not like I have no knowledge of using anything else. Having read through your quoted posts I have to agree with you about the dedicated 'back button'. Sure that is something I would like to see on iOS at some point. Your points about Safari and the Mail app don't really apply to me as I use Gmail, and Chrome on my iPhone. The only time I use Safari is when I open something in Twitter and it opens on there. It would be nice to apply your own default browser, but as I said it only gets used for certain applications.

Your experience of Android is a lot more positive than mine it seems. I owned a laggy Samsung S3 and jumped to the iPhone for stability and ease of use. I haven't been disappointed. Then again I openly admit here that my preferences and tastes may not suit everyone else, unlike yourself who is determined to convince others that iOS is totally inferior.

For me iOS is the best OS I have used on a mobile phone. Some may agree with that, others not, but who cares really? What bugs me is when others feel they have to convince me I am wrong in my choice and then go on to list a load of operations and features that I have no use for, but because they use them and enjoy it, therefore anything else is inferior. A bit like yesterday where we were discussing large screens. I wrote:

Indeed. The screen on my iPhone 5 is perfect for me, and one of the main reasons I sold my S3 in favour of it. Some people just don't seem to understand that bigger screens are not for everybody and push it as a negative.

You responded with:

The irony is spectacular.

I asked you to explain and you conveniently ignored it. Nowhere in my post did I suggest larger screens are a negative as its clear there is a demand. I said they are not for 'everybody', meaning there are certain consumers like myself who prefer a 4" screen. I've said countless times that Apple should produce an iPhone with two screen sizes to suit the market. I ask you again, where is the 'spectacular irony' in that?

 

[onthecouchagain]

I had many issues with Android during the 4 years I used it. Don't forget I am new to iOS so its not like I have no knowledge of using anything else. Having read through your quoted posts I have to agree with you about the dedicated 'back button'. Sure that is something I would like to see on iOS at some point. Your points about Safari and the Mail app don't really apply to me as I use Gmail, and Chrome on my iPhone. The only time I use Safari is when I open something in Twitter and it opens on there. It would be nice to apply your own default browser, but as I said it only gets used for certain applications.

Your experience of Android is a lot more positive than mine it seems. I owned a laggy Samsung S3 and jumped to the iPhone for stability and ease of use. I haven't been disappointed. Then again I openly admit here that my preferences and tastes may not suit everyone else, unlike yourself who is determined to convince others that iOS is totally inferior.

For me iOS is the best OS I have used on a mobile phone. Some may agree with that, others not, but who cares really? What bugs me is when others feel they have to convince me I am wrong in my choice and then go on to list a load of operations and features that I have no use for, but because they use them and enjoy it, therefore anything else is inferior. A bit like yesterday where we were discussing large screens. I wrote:



You responded with:

I asked you to explain and you conveniently ignored it. Nowhere in my post did I suggest larger screens are a negative as its clear there is a demand. I said they are not for 'everybody', meaning there are certain consumers like myself who prefer a 4" screen. I've said countless times that Apple should produce an iPhone with two screen sizes to suit the market. I ask you again, where is the 'spectacular irony' in that?

IOS is an inferior operating system. People prefer it for the few things it does better. That's fine. I couldnt care less. At no point did I ever say that was "wrong."

Regarding the irony the point was that your very same reasoning is precisely why apple should include larger screens in their mix for the iPhone. That not "everyone" wants one size. At this point apple only offers one sized iPhone. It's clearer to me now that you agree with this. It wasnt clear in the post I quoted.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

IOS is an inferior operating system. People prefer it for the few things it does better. That's fine. I couldnt care less. At no point did I ever say that was "wrong."

That is absolutely fine, but that is your personal opinion on the matter. For me iOS is a superior OS than the one I had on the Samsung S3 because it serves my needs better and I personally have had a better experience with it. Both mine and yours are subjective opinions. I think its arrogant to claim something is 'inferior' as though it is fact, due to one's personal preferences. What may be inferior to one person, may have the opposite stance for someone else. Both OS's sell in the many million's, so they are anything but inferior products. They serve different sectors of the market, that's all.

Regarding the irony the point was that your very same reasoning is precisely why apple should include larger screens in their mix for the iPhone. That not "everyone" wants one size. At this point apple only offers one sized iPhone.

You didn't write it very clearly. I understood it as you suggesting my opinion was 'ironic' rather than Apples chosen design philosophy. I think I explained myself quite clearly which is why I asked for clarification.

 

[jrswizzle]

Why not? People come to the same conclusions after an hour with Android, what's the difference?

Though there is some difference in comparing a beta 1 with a finished product, I agree that spending an hour with something isn't enough time to truly get a feel for what it can do. Equally as nonsensical.

----------

That is absolutely fine, but that is your personal opinion on the matter. For me iOS is a superior OS than the one I had on the Samsung S3 because it serves my needs better and I personally have had a better experience with it. Both mine and yours are subjective opinions. I think its arrogant to claim something is 'inferior' as though it is fact, due to one's personal preferences. What may be inferior to one person, may have the opposite stance for someone else. Both OS's sell in the many million's, so they are anything but inferior products. They serve different sectors of the market, that's all.

You didn't write it very clearly. I understood it as you suggesting my opinion was 'ironic' rather than Apples chosen design philosophy. I think I explained myself quite clearly which is why I asked for clarification.

I'm telling you, it's like beating your head against a wall.....Couch makes the same points over and over again without ever acknowledging any points you make unless they can be twisted to serve his agenda.

Case-in-point, he uses the example of how awful it was for his family to transfer photos because iTunes is hard or stuff doesn't sync right.....drag and drop is "so much easier".

Personally, I've found that not having to do ANYTHING is the easiest way.....when I snap pics on my iPhone, they're there on my computer - no dragging, no dropping, no messing with iTunes even.....

Tired examples from people who cherry pick certain things to make their point sound better - when the reality is they've either missed newer features that take care of said issues or completely ignore them.

I would equate this to an Apple fan dismissing Android because of the problems in Honeycomb - Android has come a long way from that and in dismissing the OS based on experiences from years ago (or heck even a year given how fast this industry moves) only serves to show how ignorant or biased one really is.

Happens on both sides - the problem is, those who claim to be "objective" are really employing the same tired arguments they are trying to bash on the other side.

Irony.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Though there is some difference in comparing a beta 1 with a finished product, I agree that spending an hour with something isn't enough time to truly get a feel for what it can do. Equally as nonsensical.

----------



I'm telling you, it's like beating your head against a wall.....Couch makes the same points over and over again without ever acknowledging any points you make unless they can be twisted to serve his agenda.

Case-in-point, he uses the example of how awful it was for his family to transfer photos because iTunes is hard or stuff doesn't sync right.....drag and drop is "so much easier".

Personally, I've found that not having to do ANYTHING is the easiest way.....when I snap pics on my iPhone, they're there on my computer - no dragging, no dropping, no messing with iTunes even.....

Tired examples from people who cherry pick certain things to make their point sound better - when the reality is they've either missed newer features that take care of said issues or completely ignore them.

I would equate this to an Apple fan dismissing Android because of the problems in Honeycomb - Android has come a long way from that and in dismissing the OS based on experiences from years ago (or heck even a year given how fast this industry moves) only serves to show how ignorant or biased one really is.

Happens on both sides - the problem is, those who claim to be "objective" are really employing the same tired arguments they are trying to bash on the other side.

Irony.

I respond to things that need responding to. If I don't respond, it's either not worth it, or I agree (I'll let you be the judge of which is which). That's not that difficult to understand, is it?

Strangely, you feel the need to respond to every post I make as if you have something to explain and/or defend. Odd.

 

[MeatRocket]

I had an HTC one for one day. It certainly looks nice, but the wake button on top left, almost recessed, plus no microsd, no battery removal ability, and unrepairable, were deal breakers for me. Also, I wasn't confident that HTC had the assets to support the phone. I returned it even before the capacitive button problem had surfaced.

I understand. I don't like not being able to replace the battery easily. Didn't see the missing SD spec. That in itself is a deal breaker for me. Galaxy S4 it is then! Although the Note 3 looks like an option, the rumored 5.9" display is completely ridiculous and I just couldn't do it.

 

[jrswizzle]

I respond to things that need responding to. If I don't respond, it's either not worth it, or I agree (I'll let you be the judge of which is which). That's not that difficult to understand, is it?

Strangely, you feel the need to respond to every post I make as if you have something to explain and/or defend. Odd.

Uh huh.....just trying to understand the motivation here. Things you complain about are either easily fixed or won't be changed. So my ultimate question:

What are you still doing here? I respond because I've wondered this ever since I read my first "Couch post" and have yet to receive an answer that makes any sense.

And just so I get my "Couch compass" calibrated correctly, you're lack of response to my rebuttal of your photo example would mean.....?

 

[oplix]

At this point adding a few features that have been available to JB for years now and putting a ugly flat skin over iOS makes me want to run from Apple like I stole something. No Phil Schiller, seems like you "can't innovate my a$$"

 

[Mrg02d]

I like the way iOS 7 looks. I like colors and animations. Looking forward to seeing how it all run complete and on the iPhone 5s.

I dont use my phone for much more than phoning (I have an iPad 3) so all the pretty colors and slick animations make it a gem.

 

[onthecouchagain]

At this point adding a few features that have been available to JB for years now and putting a ugly flat skin over iOS makes me want to run from Apple like I stole something. No Phil Schiller, seems like you "can't innovate my a$$"

Mac Pro.

Granted, it's not the be all and end of innovation, but that sucker looks incredible. And I hope it influences the future Mac Mini lines.

 

[cualexander]

Why not? People come to the same conclusions after an hour with Android, what's the difference?

I read a post where someone tried Android for 2 weeks and decided it wasn't for him, and it was funny because everyone was like "You can't master Android in 2 weeks."

I laughed because it takes about 2 hours to be proficient with iOS. And that's why I will continue to use it, despite my disagreements with their new looks. It just works.

 

[onthecouchagain]

It just works.

: shudder :

 

[cualexander]

: shudder :

Yeah, it's horrible, really. I actually spend time using my phone instead of tweaking it. I've never met someone who actually uses Android out of the box.

 

[onthecouchagain]

Yeah, it's horrible, really. I actually spend time using my phone instead of tweaking it. I've never met someone who actually uses Android out of the box.

I guess they don't exist then.

 

[cualexander]

I guess they don't exist then.

I'm sure they do. They are just few and far between. Case in point. http://lifehacker.com/is-the-stock-android-galaxy-s4-better-than-a-nexus-507575112

Article talking about stock Android coming out on a non-google device as a first time event last month. Why do all the manufacturers feel like they have to build complex interfaces on top of stock Android? Surely, if it was so great in the first place they wouldn't need to do this.

Android reminds me of running Linux on the desktop (yes, I know Android is based on Linux.) There are so many variants that it all gets confusing after a while. Some people like that complexity. And that's good for them. I think that's why some people flock to it. But it also makes me appreciate Apple's design all the more. Variables just add complexity and confusion in the end.

 

[Zerilos]

I can certainly see why tech geeks might prefer the complexity and customizability of Android. For these people the ability to develop ROMs to tweak performance is what they live to do, and I get it. However, I know a lot of causal Android and every single one of them could care less about all of the additional features an Android device comes with (I was one of them for years and still have a N7). For the average person who doesn't spend half his day on various tech sites (not a criticism), IMHO, they just want a smartphone that will do the basics and a pretty screen. For techies, Android has its definite advantages, for everyone else it's a bunch of options they will never use. for those people it's the phone and the ecosystem they're buying, not the OS.

 

[onthecouchagain]

I'm sure they do. They are just few and far between. Case in point. http://lifehacker.com/is-the-stock-android-galaxy-s4-better-than-a-nexus-507575112

Article talking about stock Android coming out on a non-google device as a first time event last month. Why do all the manufacturers feel like they have to build complex interfaces on top of stock Android? Surely, if it was so great in the first place they wouldn't need to do this.

Android reminds me of running Linux on the desktop (yes, I know Android is based on Linux.) There are so many variants that it all gets confusing after a while. Some people like that complexity. And that's good for them. I think that's why some people flock to it. But it also makes me appreciate Apple's design all the more. Variables just add complexity and confusion in the end.

You said Android out of the box.

I've never met someone who actually uses Android out of the box.

 

[Fireblade]

I guess they don't exist then.

Lol. :thumbup:

 

[painejake]

I love the new features just really not very hot on the UI.

People who says its not that different, I beg to differ everything looks very different. I suspect it will grow on me as I won't be moving away from an iPhone but I like the current UI

 

[mib1800]

I'm sure they do. They are just few and far between. Case in point. http://lifehacker.com/is-the-stock-android-galaxy-s4-better-than-a-nexus-507575112

Article talking about stock Android coming out on a non-google device as a first time event last month. Why do all the manufacturers feel like they have to build complex interfaces on top of stock Android? Surely, if it was so great in the first place they wouldn't need to do this.

Android reminds me of running Linux on the desktop (yes, I know Android is based on Linux.) There are so many variants that it all gets confusing after a while. Some people like that complexity. And that's good for them. I think that's why some people flock to it. But it also makes me appreciate Apple's design all the more. Variables just add complexity and confusion in the end.

Are you an easily confused person? Really what is there to be confused? The only difference is the launcher (and global font/color scheme) in every android . Everything else are just apps. If you dont like a particular app just change it. If you dont like font change it.

Most launchers are pretty similar to one another. There really isnt that much differences betw them. Most of them operate similarly. All have dock below with appdrawer icon. Most support multiple home/widget screens, screen overview, live wallpaper and folder. Some launchers come with proprietary widgets. Some support changing of icons.

So I dont see the fuss you kicked up about "confusion" where there isnt any to start with.

 

[cynics]

I read a post where someone tried Android for 2 weeks and decided it wasn't for him, and it was funny because everyone was like "You can't master Android in 2 weeks."

I laughed because it takes about 2 hours to be proficient with iOS. And that's why I will continue to use it, despite my disagreements with their new looks. It just works.

I help answer dozens of questions a day in the iPhone section from people that have owned iPhones for a very long time.

I had my iPhone for 6+ months before I learn how to email a PDF.

Android : download PDF. Open email. Click attach like you would on any PC for the last 15-20 years.

iOS : download a PDF reader app (research will need to be done to make sure the app can share with email), download PDF, "save to" the PDF reader app, open PDF reader app, open PDF, share to email

That doesn't "just work" nor is it simple. It's counter intuitive and I've found only techie people on this forum knew the answer. People with iPhones in real life had no clue and told me it was impossible.

I don't think anyone that's willing to learn will find the basics in both operating systems anymore difficult to use then one another.