The Android platform dubbed as the “The one of the most liberal platforms in the world” is going to change the world that was rocked by iPhone. How much? As of now, we cannot quantify it. But what we can tell you is in what aspects the iPhone will be lagging behind the Android platform.
The Android OS is different from iPhone; in respect that Android is just software which has been given to over 34 phone makers to build. On the other hand, iPhone is a complete bundle of software and hardware. Moreover, Android OS kicks iPhone’s ass in the price. Google hopes to price around $200 where as iPhone is over $400. Add to it, the high end power packed features that Google has bundled in its platform will give iPhone a run for its phone.
1. Browsing
What is the reason we pick Smartphone? To stay connected in a smarter way. No offence intended, but iPhone’s Safari does a decent job as far as browsers go. Safari refuses to venture in to flash. This void will be the filled by Android phones. At present, android supports Opera mini, Dolphin and the default browser. Add to it, the Mozilla Firefox pre alpha release Android features a full shopping cart of browsers. Moreover, the default browser does everything that a browser should do; loads webpages faster than Safari, supports Flash and tabbed browsing.
2. Desktop
Time and again we have learnt that looks matter. A desktop that looks and is packed with functionality is much more preferred than a floating desktop which is what the iPhone offers. The twitter widget on the Android updates your twitter from your desktop. The people widget allows you perform actions on your contacts like call your wife and text your girlfriend. So comparing the two would be unfair to apple.
3. Connectivity
The Android phone has smarter connectivity options. You can turn on or off your Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Mobile network or GPS with just a single click from your desktop. The same feature in iPhone would be a herculean task; you need to go to settings, and then find a menu and then another touch. Moreover, the smart turn off feature of Android when there is no use for specific connectivity becomes a life saver function; i.e. saves battery.
4. PC Connectivity
If we get started with this section, then please bear with us. iPhone’s iTunes is a big turn off as being a smartphone it cannot talk to PC without it. On the other hand, Android can sync its SD card with PC drag and drop feature. No hassles! We hope to see the Android sync with the Linux desktop in coming versions.
5. Notification System
One of the biggest problems in iPhone is that not all apps have access to the notification system that Android offers. All of your social networking tools as well as phone features can access this notification system. Hence, there is a one stop information portal to know what is happening around you.
6. Endless Personalization
Golden Rule: A smartphone should allow its user to work smart. Personalization helps in achieving that goal. Consider this; if you are a social networking user your desktop can have a tab for facebook, one for twitter, one for youtube etc. Or if you are business user, your desktop has a window of your email, calendar, contacts and organizer. Hence, your Android phone will behave exactly the way you want it to behave. On the hand, the iPhone behaves the way Apple commands.
7. Market
Free market will overtake the Apple Market. At present, the Apple market is filled with apps and you do need iTunes to buy those and enter an annoying password to install them. Android marketplace already has 1000’s of apps in its domain which are free and work as good as (or even better) than the iPhone apps. Moreover, as time passes we only hope that installing will become a piece of cake.
8. Google integration
This is the most unfair comparison field. Android is built in and out to help sync with Google. A flick of wand and you get your Google search done! It is even compatible with Google voice! iPhone does not score any brownie points in this segment.
9. Open Source
A planet full of developers is better than a handful of developers in a room. That sets Android apart from iPhone. Android will see more releases, a rapid increase in its functionality and decrease in its security loop holes. The tradition of open source will only enhance the Android OS and make it more robust, efficient and smart than the iPhone.
10. Open to any carriers
Another home run for Android phones! If you are looking to get an iPhone, you need to swear loyalty to AT&T or flee the country. On the other hand, Android phones are open to any carrier- switch to any one that you like.
11. Dr.Fix
Android has an internal doctor to help any app sync with its system. It automatically checks and repairs files systems. It also allows for external hardware sync options. This is very important as more versions of Android are scheduled to release later this year and this feature will only help you know what to do. If you are on iPhone, do not bother; you don’t have options.
12. Voice Search
Yes, iPhone did have it first. We won’t take the credit away from the Apple. But what Android does is help you search faster and recognizes varied accents that iPhone fails to recognize. Moreover, the core search runs faster hence you get your results faster on Android compared iPhone.
13. Video Recording and sharing
Yes, both iPhone and Android can record videos. Unlike iPhone, Android supports MPEG4 and 3GP format as well as quicker upload feature on youtube. This uploader happens on your background, thus you won’t need to bother about your Android performance.
14. Live Folders
Cloud computing the new thing to be a part of! Android has embraced it while iPhone has to still get a whiff of it. Android supports Live folders where you can in real-time create a new data is on the device or in the cloud. So why do we need it? Well, developers can extend the built-in support for common data items and register new data types.
15. Smart Virtual Keyboard
One of the most interesting features of iPhone has been outdone by Android. The smart onscreen keyboard which is supported on the latest versions has auto correct and dictionary features in built to help you type faster and correctly. It provides tactile feedback and seamlessly integrates in to any app on your android screen. Moreover, the platform has support for 3rd party keyboards.