Why does everyone rave about Android?

baby_frogmella

Sorry but imho compared to the iphone OS v3.x Android is nothing special. I already have a 3gs which i'm very happy with but 3 months ago i bought a Google Nexus One (running Android 2.1) from the US for my OH after every review said its an iphone killer:rotfl:But my wife hated it so much that i gave her my iphone and i got her N1. Now don't get me wrong the N1 definitely has top hardware but i was disappointed with Android. Here's why:

1) The iphone OS interface is a lot simpler to use. Even until today i (or my wife) have never had to refer to the iphone user guide , whereas the we have to continuosly refer to the N1 user guide. IMHO this is probably the biggest selling point of the iphone...its SIMPLICITY.

2) Android market is pants.Why oh why does the Android marketplace still not have hugely popular applications such as Skype, TV catchup, Ebay, Amazon, Beejive IM, Hullomail (free visual voicemail) amongst others? Yes i know that Android hasn't been out as long as the Apple store but imho Android has been out for long enough for the developers to make available apps such as these.

Anyway i'm now thinking of flogging the N1 on fleabay so that i can buy a brand new 3gs for my other half. I'm really disappointed!

watcherman

Agree, but I suppose it is relatively in its infancy, and has done very well for the new kid on the block...Where it beats the iPhone in useful functionality, is the browser, but overall, the whole "user experience" is definitely better on the iPhone.

Nostromo

I have an iphone 3gs but i like the look of the new Sony X10 but it also has the Android OS and i just dont think i could be bothered learning a whole new OS after using the iphone.Im sure its a great OS and the apps will get better but im hooked on the simplicity of the iphone now.

jones.ci

My N1 was my first Android phone, had it since Jan. I also had an iPod Touch for a while, until it went for a swim.

Android is a lot better than the iPhone OS. You have a lot more freedom, but with this comes complexity. Hence why the N1 is seen as somewhat geeky. The iPhone OS is easy to use, but with that comes limitations.

The overwhelming reason I got an N1 instead of an iPhone was I didn't want to be tied into a long contract or pay a "cool tax" by buying an Apple product.

Different things suit different people, naturally. Depends what you want your phone to be able to do.

The OP mentions being disappointed in the Android store. This is a fair comment - there aren't as many apps as on the iPhone app store (but a higher proportion are free apparently, but this might say more about the quality available) - there are 2 reasons for this:

The first is the obvious - the Android store isn't as well established as the iPhone app store yet.

The second is Android phones running version 2.1 and below cannot install apps on an SD card, only on their internal memory, which is very limited in size. This means apps cannot be very big.

The next version, Android 2.2, which is expected soon, will be the first that allows apps to be installed to external memory - this should be a very good thing, as it should allow the extra power of phones like the N1 to be harnessed, and for better graphics and apps than the iPhone.

For me, Android is by far the best available. But them, I'm a geek. I've never needed to refer to the user manual

parallax_20

I think you've all hit on the main reason why the iPhone is so popular. It has an easy and simple interface for the masses. Its designed to target your average user who is only concerned with the simple UI for making simple calls and text, or as an introduction to smartphone. Generally people who rarely have the time to read the manual that comes with a phone.

For power users with a history of using Windows Mobile, etc.. and now Android , they enjoy the freedom that comes with the OS for lack of restrictions and customisability. I developed Windows Mobile apps for my smartphone in the past without paying a premium for the SDK which Apple commands, or needing authorisation before it appears on any Market place. It was a free for all back then and Android is the next evolution of it.

Another reason from a developers point of view...writing apps for iPhone is more profitable. I can write a Fart app that plays a wav file and stick it on AppStore for 20p. People get curious about it, think ...hey its a novelty and only 20p...doesn't break the bank. 1000 downloads later and I'm £200 squids in without breaking a sweat. Write another 5 apps that are similar and I could give up my day job....hehehe...just kidding, but you get the picture. Thats why there are so many apps in the AppStore with only a small percentage that have any real commercial use. And when you look at the price for commercial apps, you'd think...whats the point! Tom Tom being a good example. I can get a standalone unit for the price of the app on AppStore.

I don't have an iPhone, its over priced for what it is, but I do have the iPod Touch for my son who's 4 for YouTube and games. This is the mass appeal I was speaking of...its for all ages. I would own an Android phone over an iPhone any day...its a more professional device in my opinion.

DCFC79

Reasons why i like andorid as an OS is:

1. i like the idea of android being open source
2. dont particulary like apple, they seem to be a bit of a bully,

cant think of anymore,

DarkConvict

The advantage of android is as above, it is open source so there is a greater scope of development compared to the IPhone, Apple is known for locking up the hardware for security and that is fine for some people, which is why the android is consider more geeky as you can fiddle around it alot more. If you wanted to I guess you could write a program with an appleish style user interface.

Foxtbh

I like Android because its powerful, flexible and because I don't need somebody to hold my hand whilst I learn a new technology device. I don't mind how complicated it is.

Plus I can run more than one application at once and the stupid thing doesnt force me into the menu if I unlock it.

spork_2

Just as Microsoft is seen as anti-competition in the computer/OS market, Apple is seen as the same in the phone market. Android is open source, so there is room for developers to do exactly that - develop. Once Android catches up, the iPhone OS won't compare to it.

If you compare each 'new' iPhone handset, how much does it really develop? 3G to 3GS was simply an increase in speed & adding the ability to copy and paste. iPhone users are treated as simpletons by Apple by the way they have so much control on what can go on your iPhone and how much you can customise it (hence jailbroken phones). That's what you're effectively paying a premium for.

Android and BlackBerry users want true multi-tasking functionality for things other than web browsing and apps/games. That's partly why the iPhone UI is simpler - you don't have as many processes running in the background.

Don't forget - the UI is determined by the manufacturer. So both of your points about the UI and the apps market aren't directly about the Android OS itself. A Google Android phone's UI is different to the highly rated HTC's Sense UI (do check Sense out - it looks amazing). Because manufacturers and users can adapt and customise Android, the future of Android looks far better than BB's OS or Apple's iPhone OS from a tech perspective.

eranou

because its available wider selection of phones.

DUTR

baby_frogmella wrote: »

Sorry but imho compared to the iphone OS v3.x Android is nothing special.

Anyway i'm now thinking of flogging the N1 on fleabay so that i can buy a brand new 3gs for my other half. I'm really disappointed!

How much will you be seeking for the handset?
I don't have an android or apple handset, but at my next change it would be for an android, 10000 apps vs 5000 apps for example, the extra 5000 are more than likely variations of already available apps.
There used to be a big talk on how easy Nokia menu's are, however after a time people realised all handsets are easy to operate, andNokia are little to be seen nowadays, lets hope the N8 can give them a little comeback on the scene.
As people want a bit of choice so a happy alternative is always nice, and besides some want an fm radio :beer: