Again, as I prefaced, I'm well aware there are counterparts on Android--hell I've used most of 'em, but when you live in an Apple world, so to speak, the near seamless integration out of the box is, IMO,
often a better overall user experience.
My post was not intended as 'why this is better' argument but rather, a direct response to the poster's question as to why I personally find added value staying in the Apple ecosystem. Of course, YMMV.
A few comments in regards to your responses.
1. Not sure you understood my explanation for why I view Messages as a benefit. It's not necessarily that I must have a running history of my conversations across all devices (though there is that
), it's that it's a far more robust native messaging application that affords huge benefits when conversing
with other users of iOS/Apple devices. No SMS character limits, no incredibly restrictive MMS limits, the ability to immediately switch between devices and continue a conversation without a beat (and now including SMS in iOS 8). The new features in iOS 8 (near instant audio/video messages) make it even more valuable.
Again, I'm aware there are third party alternatives (Whatsapp, BBM, FB Messenger, etc) but all would require my contacts to have accounts with those services and the seamless integration of SMS in Messages make is my best option.
2. Again, well aware there are other options but I prefer Safari and the added inclusion of my stored payment info I find very valuable.
3. State all you'd like about Android's backup options--none are as simple and effective as the native backups available via iCloud or on one's computer via iTunes. And I don't have to jailbreak my device to get them to work.
4. I use Dropbox to transfer photos/videos to my Mac and as a backup as well, works great, actually better presently to transfer my videos because I can automatically transfer video via an Automator script (something Photostream cannot presently do). I do think sharing via Shared Photostream is far easier when Apple devices are involved.
I was only referring specifically to our music/video library. And again, I know there are other options (PLEX to a Chromecast or Roku box are two quick ones that come to mind that I've also used) but the seamless integration to our houses devices is easier IMO using iTunes/Home sharing and Apple TVs, especially for my kids and tech adverse wife.