Android is seeing widespread adoption globally with reports indicating that the race is tightening. At CTIA several weeks ago, a couple handset makers announced exciting new hardware. HTC introduced the first 4G handset running Android while Samsung’s Galaxy will have a 4″ Super AMOLED display with high powered graphics processor. New android devices of various price points and form factors are being introduced at a record pace.
As exciting as it is, let’s not forget about the other successful smartphone maker. Apple just announced iPhone OS 4.0 highlights and it appears they are trying to silence critics by addressing multitasking. Having the ability to run location based services and streaming music in the background will give iphone users a much more enjoyable product. In addition, rumors are indicating a very high resolution display, possibly 960 x 640 which addresses the other achilles heel.
While writing this on my beloved Droid on a long flight (using Swype), it’s hard to ignore these improvements. Two significant weaknesses have been eliminated, assuming the resolution rumor holds up. Having spent the past day or so contemplating it all, here is a quick ‘Pros & Cons’ of switching from Android to iPhone as things stand today.
To be gained:
- Apple’s vast offering of apps
- Ultra high resolution display
- More mature OS
- iTunes integration
- More third party accessories
Given up:
- Swype keyboard
- Google Voice
- Free navigation
- Cash
- Mojo
Taking a closer look at the list of things that would be given up, the Swype keyboard hurts the most. I sit typing this with one hand/thumb and a coke in the other while my ipod touch remains in the laptop bag in the overhead compartment. Simply put, Swype is easier and faster with one hand than an iphone/ipod with two. So easy, in fact that pulling out my laptop is too much hassle.
Google Voice – of course there are web apps out there, but nothing can currently match Android integration. For anyone using GV as a primary number, this will be a big issue and potentially very costly. GV allows users to skip carrier SMS plans altogether. Apple just won’t have it… lessens the value of their agreement with ATT.
Free Navigation – it’s only money and Apple targets the luxury market, no surprise. This is more of an annoyance than an issue, but it’s things like this that push many people away.
Cash – Apple’s business philosophy is in stark contrast to Google’s. Apple is threatened by Google’s business model of providing free, quality services while earning high revenue through advertising from deep pockets of the corporate world. Just look at MobileMe… easy money from the uninformed Apple customer, their bread and butter.
Mojo – the intangible. The iphone has become such a mainstream product with absurd technical weaknesses that Android is viewed as the product for the more technically competent with a certain pride existing amongst Android users. We take for granted many freedoms that come without jailbreaking.
The next few months may shed more light. We have yet to see how Motorola will update the Droid. Likewise, we’ve yet to see other features Apple may bring with the iPhone 4. But, beyond hardware and software features, there is the underlying ecosystem. While the mainstream user is oblivious to most of it, there are those who understand what the long term effects might be of a closed system ruled with an iron fist. This alone makes it difficult to consider jumping ship.
Apple has done a wonderful job of implementing background processing in a way that will preserve the user experience while providing the most needed background functions.
ReplyDeleteThe real difference between these two platforms is the ideology of having a superior product via tight control verus having a more versatile product via platform openness,
Google has the opportunity to leverage proprietary assets like Google Voice, Maps and YouTube to strengthen their platform. I expect a broader developer community, especially for the typical profit engines for networked devices of gambling and adult content. Android should also be offering a wider range of devices including hardened and special purpose devices.
Apple will rely on having a rock solid platform guaranteed by tight developer control and by being the exclusive hardware developer. They can also leveage their lead in available applications to maintain dominance.
Ultimately both solutions are good for consumers and hopefully they will both be successful.
As for free navigation, try waze. Waze is a community generated turn by turn navigation system with automated real time traffic alerts as well as alerts posted manually by other wazers.
Thanks Steve. With gambling and porn, how can they lose, really?
ReplyDeleteVery different approaches between the two platforms. How would you size up WP7 by comparison?
I tried Waze at the end of last year or so. My comment at the time was, Waze has a ways to go. I'll give it another try.