A question for Neo: Android OS vs iPhone OS

[Mighty Unicorn]

I was hoping you could answer a couple of questions about Android and Behold2...

Could you tell me what your experiences have been with Android vs. iPhone softwares, and how you think the two operating systems compare (weaknesses vs. strengths)? And what will Behold2 have to offer that is special in the hardware department? In other words, How does it measure up against iPhone?

I know there are a ton of reviews out there, but I'd like to hear a testimonial from you, since you are very technically savvy, and don't have any bias between the two products.

I really want to get rid of my iPhone, not because of the hardware or the apps, but because the service plan is insanely expensive and AT&Ts network coverage is AWFUL. Android has a lot to measure up to, but if it's great, then I would gladly go to another carrier.

Hope you have time to answer. If not, could you link me to some of your favorite review sites for Android? And could you point me to the community spot that you would use to get Apps for Android?

Thanks,

MU

[Neo]

Just the OS's themselves there are many differences. It all comes down to what you are looking for. Android OS integrates with Google services, and really only Google services. Don't go looking for outlook support. You don't sync Android with your computer, rather it sync's itself with Googles servers which makes it the best cloud OS for mobile phones.

iPhone has a lot of good features as well, most are hardware based at the moment. Things like a 3.5mm jack for headphones. But iPhone is better for music and videos as well since you sync it with iTunes. Android can play music and videos but I don't use it for that.

To say I am not biased is a little misleading, I have an iPod touch and an Android phone. I want an iPhone that works on my network, but am not willing to switch networks for it. The Android is a great alternative because of the fact that it is completely open source. Anyone can build anything so the phone can be used any way you want it to be. For instance my phone is set up so that I use the SD Card to store my applications, I have changed the OS to allow me to tether other devices on WiFi or Bluetooth and even adjusted the theme so it looks like it was made for me. This is why I choose Android over iPhone any day. iPhone OS is completely different, developers can't do just anything they want with it as Apple has it locked down just a little too much even after jailbreaking.

The Behold II hasn't been fully announced but is said to have the same processor as the other Android phones, along with similar memory. The main difference between the Behold II and the G1 would be the 5MP camera in the Behold II and the lack of a QWERTY hardware keyboard. (not sure if it will be in the phone or not)

For info on Android phones check out xda-developers, they have a couple forums for Android devices. For iPhone OS I would check out iPhone News, Help and Guides or Sleepers.net | iPhone News and Application Reviews | Application Development | Hosting Repository | Sleepers.net is your iPhone Superstore There are quite a few for each if you do internet searches that have info about jail breaking or hacking into both of them to release more features.

The last thing I have to say is don't take my word on it. Go try the phones for yourself, even though the Behold II isn't out check out the mytouch3G and the G1 at T-Mobile, see how you like it and remember Google is working hard to upgrade all the phones to 2.0 (newest version) and making it the best version ever by implying technology that developers have introduced.

[Mighty Unicorn]

What else can I say, except THANK YOU.

That was the best reply that I could have possibly expected. A lot of reviews and comparisons are really heated and biased, and yours was concise, had objective information, and excellent links.

I will follow up on this for sure and look into the information resources that you provided. There are so many, that getting a recommendation on specific sites from someone who I trust is important. Thanks.

So, it appears that like anything else, there are advantages and disadvantages to both options... I will have to weigh them all and see which balance is best for my personal needs, capabilities, and willingness to put time into tailoring things the way I want them in the end.

MU

[Executioner]

Here is some food for thought for you MU... I know you already have an iPhone but I just read this article:
brit-Blog-names-iPhone-worlds-worst.html: Personal Finance News from Yahoo! Finance

I bought the iPhone 3GS and personally have not had many of the issues they are saying. Yes it does get hot, but having a screen that is practically the size of the whole phone will make it hot. Also, the battery life could be better, but hey, I still am enjoying the phone. I really haven't encountered the dropping calls or the silent treatment they said and I haven't had issues hearing people.
Hope this helps out some for you.

[Neo]

Originally Posted by Executioner

Here is some food for thought for you MU... I know you already have an iPhone but I just read this article:
brit-Blog-names-iPhone-worlds-worst.html: Personal Finance News from Yahoo! Finance

I bought the iPhone 3GS and personally have not had many of the issues they are saying. Yes it does get hot, but having a screen that is practically the size of the whole phone will make it hot. Also, the battery life could be better, but hey, I still am enjoying the phone. I really haven't encountered the dropping calls or the silent treatment they said and I haven't had issues hearing people.
Hope this helps out some for you.

Sounds like almost every phone out there, at least smart phones. And all of that is really hardware related. Sadly, iPhone OS only has one style of phone, while Android OS can be used by any manufacturer on any phone.