Apple Vs. Android

[White Peacock]

Agree completely - while I've not had the first-hand experience on the iPhone side that you obviously have, I have been around enough Apple folks on a day-to-day basis who have plenty of gripes about this or that not working quite right. There are no tech panaceas out there. Apple's hiccups just don't get the press because it's not sexy to say what's perceived to be sexy isn't really that sexy after all. Kinda like the reverse of the Emporer's New Clothes, as it were.

Apple has issues, Android has issues, Windows Phone has issues. Nothing's perfect. I, personally, do tire a bit of the perception Apple has successfully marketed, and by the same token, Samsung has taken and put on its ear in their own advertising. They've actually done a really, really credible job of making the, shall we say, more extreme Apple "fanboys" look, well, a bit extreme. Their recent ad about how "big phones" were ugly when Samsung first put them out, but now are trendy because Apple is doing them, is IMHO a *great* campaign tool. I think some people are starting to see that, as well.

Mind you, not disparaging Apple or anyone that uses them - just the extreme notion that some believe they're beyond reproach, or have absolute impugnity when it comes to new ideas or designs. Its much easier to be perceived as trendy when you have their advertising bankroll!!

Indeed. Everything that Jobs & Co. used as jabs against Samsung and other manufacturers, they've eventually implemented in their own devices generations down the line. A few examples: Jobs said nobody wants a phone bigger than 4 inches; Jobs said nobody wants a tablet smaller than the original iPad; pretty sure it was Jobs that said NFC was a useless technology. Now we have iPhones up to 6" in size and iPads just a couple inches larger, and the new iPhones implement NFC for Apple Pay.

You're right, all platforms have their problems, but nearly every new iPhone model presents a new QC complaint, and every new iteration of iOS presents some major service flub that they have to ninja fix with a new update, often without admitting that the prior release created any issues.

New Galaxy devices are usually uneventful for us. The only major flub in recent memory was the Galaxy Note 3 not being able to connect to femtocells for a while after its release.

WP devices have an occasional hiccup, but generally tend to work as intended unless there's a critical hardware failure, which happens more than it should with Lumias.

Blackberry 10 devices shouldn't exist.

[Plutonic Panda]

Indeed. Everything that Jobs & Co. used as jabs against Samsung and other manufacturers, they've eventually implemented in their own devices generations down the line. A few examples: Jobs said nobody wants a phone bigger than 4 inches; Jobs said nobody wants a tablet smaller than the original iPad; pretty sure it was Jobs that said NFC was a useless technology. Now we have iPhones up to 6" in size and iPads just a couple inches larger, and the new iPhones implement NFC for Apple Pay.

Not supporting Apple, but where is Jobs right now? Where was he when the iPad Mini was released and the 6 Plus? It wasn't really him was it?

[White Peacock]

Not supporting Apple, but where is Jobs right now? Where was he when the iPad Mini was released and the 6 Plus? It wasn't really him was it?

It wasn't him that put out the iPad Mini or the iPhone 6, no. I was illustrating Apple's "we're at the fore, everything else will fail" public approach, which is eaten up by those who don't know any better.

[Plutonic Panda]

It wasn't him that put out the iPad Mini or the iPhone 6, no. I was illustrating Apple's "we're at the fore, everything else will fail" public approach, which is eaten up by those who don't know any better.

ah, gotcha.

[FighttheGoodFight]

As a person who has Apple devices and continues to use them I think Apple the company has changed. I remember when Apple would come out with an update or a product and it would be tested to death so no problems would occur on launch. Now I see Apple pushing out things a bit too fast and issues occur.

For instance Yosemite has some bugs that are quite annoying and iOS 8 had some serious issues that affected a lot of end users. Now I am not saying that other companies don't have similar problems but Apple was built on solid software and nice design. Something seems just...off.

[MsProudSooner]

I have an iPhone 4S. It does everything I want it to do. I'll probably get an iPhone 6 within the next couple of months.

[Swake]

As a person who has Apple devices and continues to use them I think Apple the company has changed. I remember when Apple would come out with an update or a product and it would be tested to death so no problems would occur on launch. Now I see Apple pushing out things a bit too fast and issues occur.

For instance Yosemite has some bugs that are quite annoying and iOS 8 had some serious issues that affected a lot of end users. Now I am not saying that other companies don't have similar problems but Apple was built on solid software and nice design. Something seems just...off.

What bugs have you had with Yosemite? I've had it for months with no issues.

[BBatesokc]

As a person who has Apple devices and continues to use them I think Apple the company has changed. I remember when Apple would come out with an update or a product and it would be tested to death so no problems would occur on launch. Now I see Apple pushing out things a bit too fast and issues occur.

For instance Yosemite has some bugs that are quite annoying and iOS 8 had some serious issues that affected a lot of end users. Now I am not saying that other companies don't have similar problems but Apple was built on solid software and nice design. Something seems just...off.

People are quick to forget the numerous Apple flops throughout their existence (probably because their successes make up for it).....

Rotten Apple: Apple's 12 Biggest Failures | CIO

10 terrible Apple product failures - Features - Macworld UK

As for iOS bugs - I've personally never experienced any beyond an initial rollout that has always been corrected within hours or days.

[FighttheGoodFight]

What bugs have you had with Yosemite? I've had it for months with no issues.

We have several computers with the Wifi bug. We have over 450 macs but only a few show the error. Mavericks felt a bit more solid all around.

[kelroy55]

This looks interesting

This is Verizon's new completely insane Droid Turbo - Oct. 28, 2014

[Swake]

This looks interesting

This is Verizon's new completely insane Droid Turbo - Oct. 28, 2014

But this certainly doesn't

Secretive, unblockable Verizon perma-cookies kick up privacy concerns | PCWorld

[kelroy55]

Thanks for the info..... I wonder if other carriers do this as well?

Unfortunately I checked my phone using the info in that link and my browser use is being tracked

[Swake]

Thanks for the info..... I wonder if other carriers do this as well?

Unfortunately I checked my phone using the info in that link and my browser use is being tracked

I don't know. It's scary on one hand that they set it up and incredibly stupid and lazy that it can't be turned off and is usable by anyone. My wife worked for Verizon on the land line side for years after they bought MCI/Worldcom it was a terrible, terrible company. When she was finally laid-off it was a relief.

We need laws to protect our privacy, maybe even an amendment, but there's big money that likes the status quo. For now, you have to do what you can to choose the least evil options.

[kelroy55]

I don't know. It's scary on one hand that they set it up and incredibly stupid and lazy that it can't be turned off and is usable by anyone. My wife worked for Verizon on the land line side for years after they bought MCI/Worldcom it was a terrible, terrible company. When she was finally laid-off it was a relief.

We need laws to protect our privacy, maybe even an amendment, but there's big money that likes the status quo. For now, you have to do what you can to choose the least evil options.

I wonder if there is anything in the fine print of the contract.

[jerrywall]

So related to this thread... I picked up the new Microsoft Band yesterday. It's their foray into the wearable/smartwatch/fitness device arena. It came from out of nowhere, which is interesting. I haven't had it long enough for an evaluation, but there are some interesting things.

It's compatible with Windows Devices, Android, and iOS. As far as I know, that's unique. The only thing that doesn't work on the non-Microsoft devices is the Cortana integration (duh).
It has UV sensors to warn about sunburn. It also has a "galvanic skin response sensor" to measure stress, although I haven't found the output for it.

Other than that it has pretty much all the standard features of the smart watches/apple watch, etc. Texting, email, phone calls, calendar, Facebook and such all display notices. Sleep monitoring, GPS run tracking, heart rate monitor, calorie tracking, etc on the fitness side. The big selling point for me was the price point, which is almost 1/2 of what the apple watch will run.

[FighttheGoodFight]

So related to this thread... I picked up the new Microsoft Band yesterday. It's their foray into the wearable/smartwatch/fitness device arena. It came from out of nowhere, which is interesting. I haven't had it long enough for an evaluation, but there are some interesting things.

It's compatible with Windows Devices, Android, and iOS. As far as I know, that's unique. The only thing that doesn't work on the non-Microsoft devices is the Cortana integration (duh).
It has UV sensors to warn about sunburn. It also has a "galvanic skin response sensor" to measure stress, although I haven't found the output for it.

Other than that it has pretty much all the standard features of the smart watches/apple watch, etc. Texting, email, phone calls, calendar, Facebook and such all display notices. Sleep monitoring, GPS run tracking, heart rate monitor, calorie tracking, etc on the fitness side. The big selling point for me was the price point, which is almost 1/2 of what the apple watch will run.

Interesting. I'll have to check this out. I don't know why but I am just not impressed by any wearables right now. I mean I think the Moto 360 looks nice but when it comes down to it I really have no use for that.

[kelroy55]

Keep us up on how it's working, sounds interesting.

[HOT ROD]

Windows Phone for me. Ya, I'm a homer since it was free for employees - thanks S. Ballmer!

[Swake]

So related to this thread... I picked up the new Microsoft Band yesterday. It's their foray into the wearable/smartwatch/fitness device arena. It came from out of nowhere, which is interesting. I haven't had it long enough for an evaluation, but there are some interesting things.

It's compatible with Windows Devices, Android, and iOS. As far as I know, that's unique. The only thing that doesn't work on the non-Microsoft devices is the Cortana integration (duh).
It has UV sensors to warn about sunburn. It also has a "galvanic skin response sensor" to measure stress, although I haven't found the output for it.

Other than that it has pretty much all the standard features of the smart watches/apple watch, etc. Texting, email, phone calls, calendar, Facebook and such all display notices. Sleep monitoring, GPS run tracking, heart rate monitor, calorie tracking, etc on the fitness side. The big selling point for me was the price point, which is almost 1/2 of what the apple watch will run.

I could see getting a wearable to go with a watch but I have a Hamilton Automatic and I don't see giving that up so I can talk to my watch.

[White Peacock]

So related to this thread... I picked up the new Microsoft Band yesterday. It's their foray into the wearable/smartwatch/fitness device arena. It came from out of nowhere, which is interesting. I haven't had it long enough for an evaluation, but there are some interesting things.

It's compatible with Windows Devices, Android, and iOS. As far as I know, that's unique. The only thing that doesn't work on the non-Microsoft devices is the Cortana integration (duh).
It has UV sensors to warn about sunburn. It also has a "galvanic skin response sensor" to measure stress, although I haven't found the output for it.

Other than that it has pretty much all the standard features of the smart watches/apple watch, etc. Texting, email, phone calls, calendar, Facebook and such all display notices. Sleep monitoring, GPS run tracking, heart rate monitor, calorie tracking, etc on the fitness side. The big selling point for me was the price point, which is almost 1/2 of what the apple watch will run.

Does it measure Thetan levels?

[jerrywall]

Only while chanting...

"Owa..... tagoo.... SIAM"

[Servicetech571]

Apple requires CC info UPFRONT before you can even download FREE apps. Google play has no such requirement for FREE apps.

[kevinpate]

Only while chanting...

"Owa..... tagoo.... SIAM"

Made me LOL, and brought back fond memories of semi-cold, but still good, chicken dinners and fun fellowship

[FighttheGoodFight]

Apple requires CC info UPFRONT before you can even download FREE apps. Google play has no such requirement for FREE apps.

That is technically not correct.

If you go to the App Store and choose a free app then create a new account you can skip the CC info.

I do this often for our foreign exchange students so they may download Facebook and Skype.

[Pete]

So, I'm about to dip my toe into the Android waters for the first time.

I still have an older iPhone which I will upgrade at some point, and I'm leaning towards a Samsung Note 4. But before I make that plunge -- which would include a 2-year contract -- I wanted to test out Android through a lesser commitment.

I've wanted an iPad Mini for a while but can't justify the cost. Right after Christmas, there were some awesome deals so I bought an Asus Memo 8 for just over $100, including tax and shipping. Can return it in 30 days or always sell on eBay for at least what I paid for it.

At this point, I want a tablet I can hold in one hand and use for reading and more mobile use. If I get a Note 4 or iPhone 6 Plus, I would probably just chuck the tablet and go with that as it would probably be big enough for my needs. Also, I will almost certainly buy a new car in the next couple of years and would very much to get either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay at that point.

Very interested to get my hands on the Android tablet. Will go a long way towards deciding my Android/Apple path on much bigger future purchases.