Apple iPad 3 launch => Android win? Apple win?

[EarlyMon]

Well it's been out since Dec and I haven't heard a thing about anyone getting it....

And this differs from Gingerbread brought out in December 2010 how, exactly?

New os comes out on the developer phone first and then the update schedule happens for the rest of the community.

I fail to see how you repeating this point is productive. This is starting to go in circles, don't you think?

I think that some of the pro-Apple and pro-Android information being offered is interesting, however.

The anti-arguments have been beaten to death, yes?

 

[psychotron]

I thought I'd add this to the discussion here. It's impressive that Android can accomplish these numbers while being on so many devices. Just some food for thought.

Android vs iOS – Which Is Really More Stable? New Data May Surprise You

Well thats complete horseshit. I am probably one of the few here that own both Android and iOS devices, so I can say this is crap. Its been months since my iPad 2 or my iPod Touch have crashed an app. However, my S2 force closes at least twice a day, usually Go SMS Pro but others too, like the camera, gallery and browser. Not to mention I need to turn it off and reboot it just to get my GPS to work every other week...That study is from an ANDROID site, biased much?

 

[EarlyMon]

That study is not from an Android site, it's from a group that targeted the study for developers, who have found it helpful, not the general public.

Your personal experiences are a single data point.

 

[SUroot]

Well thats complete horseshit. I am probably one of the few here that own both Android and iOS devices, so I can say this is crap. Its been months since my iPad 2 or my iPod Touch have crashed an app. However, my S2 force closes at least twice a day, usually Go SMS Pro but others too, like the camera, gallery and browser. Not to mention I need to turn it off and reboot it just to get my GPS to work every other week...That study is from an ANDROID site, biased much?

Have you owned a non-samsung device? You can't call that report horse shit (even if it is) until you've tried an untouched version.

Samsung have chucked lots of proprietory crap on there which needs a Samsung kernel.

I'm not getting on the band wagon of yet another pointless android versus IOS debate. Just saying that your personal experience with a Samsung device is not a fair demographic of android devices. If you care, my gps works flawlessly and I can't remember the last time an app crashed.

I wonder if you remove the human element (factory reset) whether your results would be the same

 

[EarlyMon]

The report is real. The link for our discussion on it is at the bottom of this post, along with other shocking data that neither the App Store nor the apps found there are perfect.

http://androidforums.com/lounge/510892-google-market-vs-apple-store.html#post4038617

Note also that Apple developers contend with supporting 22 versions of iOS vs 33 for Android.

So all this fragmentation business may not be as the biased Apple blogs would have you believe.

 

[psychotron]

Have you owned a non-samsung device? You can't call that report horse shit (even if it is) until you've tried an untouched version

Yes. I have had the HTC Hero, HTC Evo, HTC Evo 3D, HTC Sensation, Samsung Nexus S and my current S2. I have had issues with all of them force closing apps, usually 3rd party apps though to be fair. However, I can count the times on 1 hand my iPad/iPad 2 and iPod Touch have crashed an app.

 

[SUroot]

Fair enough

Only the Nexus s has an untouched Android rom there... HTC's can be buggy. Putting AOSP on it was the best thing I did.

That said, even AOSP hasn't sorted everything on my fiance's Hero.

 

[jonmorris]

Just played with the Asus Transformer Prime a bit in hopes of one last chance to like an Android tablet before getting the new iPad, wasn't feeling it. The first word that came to mind while playing with it was the first thing I thought when playing with the Galaxy Nexus...clunky. How this thing has a Tegra 3 chip and 1GB of RAM is puzzling to me. Simple things like pressing the home button while in an app or bringing up the app drawer or switching apps all lagged noticeably.

I have to say my experience with ICS has been different - in that the Galaxy Nexus was incredibly quick and the hardware acceleration of the UI made a real difference. However, I've not used a Transformer Prime for more than a few seconds, so I'll wait until I get my review model before agreeing or disagreeing.

hi-Res screens on Android devices MAY happen this year, but you are unlikely to see them from any manufqcturer except Samsung, and even then it is highly doubtful they will produce any in mass quantity, given the recent comments from Samsung on lackluster tablet sales.

I guess we'll have to wait and see. I do think that a lot of manufacturers will still go for the low end of the market with their tablets, as they feel (and may be right) that the majority of sales will come from people who can't, or won't, spend the money needed for an iPad.

If you only want a device to let you browse the web and look at Twitter/Facebook while sitting in front of the TV, the cheap tablets are actually fine (even low-end ones now have capacitive screens, a reasonable processor and access to Google services). If you want to edit movies or play 3D games, then they're useless.

I'm sitting around waiting for something to come from Huawei's quad core that is supposed to be the most powerful phone in the world that they announced at MWC '12. Huawei means affordable, and with them trying to bust into the high profit market with the likes of HTC and Samsung, they probably tried very hard to do this phone right.

Huawei, and also ZTE, will be the companies to watch this year. For the most part, they're like the Galaxy Nexus - without loads of customisations. Huawei did install the SpB software 3D launcher on some models, but that was easy to replace. They will compete on price, but each has intentions to go for the higher-end of the market.

I've got a MediaPad and it's a well built tablet that does look rather a lot like an iPad 1, and the only problem for Huawei is that it doesn't have very good distribution in the UK yet. How many people have seen one, let alone bought one?

Well thats complete horseshit. I am probably one of the few here that own both Android and iOS devices, so I can say this is crap. Its been months since my iPad 2 or my iPod Touch have crashed an app. However, my S2 force closes at least twice a day, usually Go SMS Pro but others too, like the camera, gallery and browser. Not to mention I need to turn it off and reboot it just to get my GPS to work every other week...That study is from an ANDROID site, biased much?

If it's usually the same app crashing, does that count? I mean, it's clearly the app. I've never had the 'system' apps crash on any Android phone (well, not in the last 6+ months, as it may have happened back on Android 1.6 or 2.1) so installing a ropey app isn't a fair way to attack the OS as a whole. I would say that I can't remember the last time an app crashed on my iPod touch, but I don't use it every single day either. My usage of iOS is probably 1 minute for every 50 minutes of Android (versions ranging from 2.x to 4.x).

 

[viber]

If you want the latest Android OS software, you'd be smart to get a Nexus phone. You're guarantee for at least two updates from Google.

Nexus S 4G...

 

[jonmorris]

I believe Sony has agreed to support devices for 18 months, in line with Google's recommendations. Hopefully others will too.

Even Apple will give up supporting older hardware after a while, based usually on the release of new models rather than a specific time.

 

[A.Nonymous]

Manufacturers are making too many Android phones too quickly in a desperate attempt to take market shares from Apple. Most people just barely got dual core phones, now quad core phones are coming out, like WTF? You want to be stuck with that outdated tech 2 more years? Then you have Google rushing updates to the OS. ICS just came out 3 months ago and only what? 2 out of like 60 Android phones can even get it. Now they are already working on Jellybean while everyone sits around and hopes for ICS, are you kidding me? It's becoming quite ridiculous. At least with an iPhone, you know when you are getting an OS update and you get it as soon as its released, as it should be.

With an iPhone you also get one software update and one hardware refresh a year. That's it. My DInc went from Eclair to Froyo to GB in about the time the iPhone went from one version to the next. I really think that Apple's long release schedule is going to come back and bite them in the long run. They've put themselves in a place where they have to release something that's 6-8 months ahead of current technology in order to stay relevant. I don't think that's a long term game plan.

 

[jonmorris]

I bet any competitor would prefer to be like Apple than have to keep releasing new devices to suit all sections of the market, some of which may buy a large share of the market - but with pathetic margins.

With the margins enjoyed by Apple, helped by having just one or two devices and a huge production runs that brings all the benefits of economy of scale, why would Apple need to worry as long as they have so many people 'under their spell' (of which I include myself when it comes to the desktop/laptop side of the business).

I mean, when the new MacBook Air was announced in 2010, I went and bought one on launch day - for a cool

 

[A.Nonymous]

I bet any competitor would prefer to be like Apple than have to keep releasing new devices to suit all sections of the market, some of which may buy a large share of the market - but with pathetic margins.

With the margins enjoyed by Apple, helped by having just one or two devices and a huge production runs that brings all the benefits of economy of scale, why would Apple need to worry as long as they have so many people 'under their spell' (of which I include myself when it comes to the desktop/laptop side of the business).

I mean, when the new MacBook Air was announced in 2010, I went and bought one on launch day - for a cool

 

[jonmorris]

I review lots of hardware, mostly Android because that's what is mostly being made now, and I have to keep an open mind when reviewing low and middle-range handsets.

I can't compare everything to the latest quad-core devices, and must remember that a lot of people aren't necessarily worried about not being able to make out pixels, having amazing cameras or loads of storage space. Some people may have fairly average needs for apps, and not play games. Others may not have any interest in editing video or mixing tracks on the move - or working with Office documents etc.

To a lot of people, the hardware is irrelevant and the iPhone 4 still serves the needs of many owners who aren't rushing out to get the 4S or waiting for news on the iPhone 5. So, I am not sure it matters that Apple's system of releasing a new device to replace the last every 12-18 months is a bad thing, even if the hardware is quickly superseded by someone else.

A lot of people would actually prefer to know that their new purchase ISN'T suddenly becoming (in their eyes) obsolete because a new model has been announced. Some people who got an iPad 2 for Christmas might be gutted to hear about the new iPad, but others won't care.

Apple would risk a lot if it suddenly decided to bring out a whole portfolio of iOS devices with different specs and prices. I can't see them doing it, as those healthy profit margins are worth far more, as we can see from their stock value.

I can slag off Apple at the best of times, for all of the things I think the company is doing wrong, but I also have to give credit where it is due.

 

[novox77]

Yes. I have had the HTC Hero, HTC Evo, HTC Evo 3D, HTC Sensation, Samsung Nexus S and my current S2. I have had issues with all of them force closing apps, usually 3rd party apps though to be fair. However, I can count the times on 1 hand my iPad/iPad 2 and iPod Touch have crashed an app.

Like someone else said, your experience is just one data point. My wife loves iDevices, and I've had to fix her phone and Macbook more than I've ever needed to do the same with my Androids... and I do WAY more dangerous things on my Android that would warrant serious crashes.

Everyone uses these devices differently. As you admit, you get lots of crashes from 3rd party apps. So really, it's the apps that are crashing, not the OS. And on the iOS side, you can't sideload 3rd party apps at all. So is it really any wonder that you have fewer crashes on iOS? I fail to see how that makes iOS better, especially if you want to try 3rd party apps.

 

[zuben el genub]

What I like about Android is the CHOICE. I can buy a clone fairly cheaply (I have one)
a midrange like the Acer 100 (have that), or the Toshiba Thrive - which has mini and regular USB ports, and you can replace the battery. (thinking about)

Just waiting to see what May and June bring.

Once I find what I'm looking for, I tend to keep it.

I really don't care for the internal storage on tablets. But since I can install extras on the SD card, it isn't too bad.

 

[jonmorris]

Being able to upgrade the storage on an iPhone or iPad would destroy that extra profit from getting people to pay

 

[A.Nonymous]

No doubt about it, Apple has a good thing going on. They've got to the point where they just have to coast and will continue to outsell the companies that are innovating. It's a good place for them to be.

 

[funpig]

Come on now, they have one device they release yearly and your choice is black or white.

On the other hand, Android phones are like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get.

Over the weekened, I was dealing with the Dictadroid developer (very nice dictation app for $2 and very responsive developer) because my phone kept freezing at a certain sampling rate. It turns out that my particular phone model does not play well with that app, but other Android models are okay. There is no fix. It is not uncommon to see in the Market reviews of certain Android apps or games complaints that a particular phone model does not work well or at all with a particular app. And some of these are premier phones (ie Nexus, SG II, Droid etc.). In addition, nothing frustrates me more having my one year old 2.1 phone which is not compatible with an app that needs a higher version of Android to work. So what is crap, the app developer, the phone manufacturer or the Android ecosystem?

 

[Covart]

The report is real. The link for our discussion on it is at the bottom of this post, along with other shocking data that neither the App Store nor the apps found there are perfect.

http://androidforums.com/lounge/510892-google-market-vs-apple-store.html#post4038617

Note also that Apple developers contend with supporting 22 versions of iOS vs 33 for Android.

So all this fragmentation business may not be as the biased Apple blogs would have you believe.

resolution wise and for coding purposes, I can only think of 4 versions you would have to contend with for iDevices running 4.3+ , notmsure where you got 22 versions??

 

[A.Nonymous]

On the other hand, Android phones are like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get.

Over the weekened, I was dealing with the Dictadroid developer (very nice dictation app for $2 and very responsive developer) because my phone kept freezing at a certain sampling rate. It turns out that my particular phone model does not play well with that app, but other Android models are okay. There is no fix. It is not uncommon to see in the Market reviews of certain Android apps or games complaints that a particular phone model does not work well or at all with a particular app. And some of these are premier phones (ie Nexus, SG II, Droid etc.). In addition, nothing frustrates me more having my one year old 2.1 phone which is not compatible with an app that needs a higher version of Android to work. So what is crap, the app developer, the phone manufacturer or the Android ecosystem?

This is very true. I started with the Droid Incredible. Loved everything about it except the battery life. Moved to the Incredible 2. Loved it. Moved to the Rezound because I wanted 4G, better screen and a better camera. Hate thing because it NEVER works right AND battery is terrible. Three devices all running Android and all from the same OEM. Two of them are great, one of them is crap. Apple has three devices period and they all work and look pretty much the same.

 

[psychotron]

On the other hand, Android phones are like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get.

Over the weekened, I was dealing with the Dictadroid developer (very nice dictation app for $2 and very responsive developer) because my phone kept freezing at a certain sampling rate. It turns out that my particular phone model does not play well with that app, but other Android models are okay. There is no fix. It is not uncommon to see in the Market reviews of certain Android apps or games complaints that a particular phone model does not work well or at all with a particular app. And some of these are premier phones (ie Nexus, SG II, Droid etc.). In addition, nothing frustrates me more having my one year old 2.1 phone which is not compatible with an app that needs a higher version of Android to work. So what is crap, the app developer, the phone manufacturer or the Android ecosystem?

As much as people here hate the word, I blame Google for their lack of control. They should have set standards manufacturers and carriers must meet before licensing their OS out. Go have a look at the section for Android phones here, there are hundreds. How many are still relevant and being supported currently? Maybe 25%? Far too many manufacturers put out phones and then stop supporting them within a year or less. So the consumer gets screwed on a 2 year contract with a phone that's not being updated or supported. Google is already working on Jellybean when tons if phones dont even have Gingerbread, let alone ICS. It's a mess and Google needs to sort it out, they should have years ago.

 

[motorazr]

I hope apple suffers some terrible mishap (perhaps some corruption is unearthed, or something else that destroys the entire company) and goes away once and for all.

Apple is evil, but people who buy apple and make stupid claims ("apple made the first portable mp3 player." some idiot in my class actually said that... even the professor was like wow what an idiot lol) are even dumber.

I tutor people on campus, and I was assigned to tutor this kid who was taking CS 103 (a faceroll, easy class where you learn Python... rofl) and he pulled out his macbook pro... "I paid 1600 for this and it has 4gb ram." Really? 1600 for 4gb ram? WOW... my desktop cost me 500 bucks and has 16gb ram, and my 14 inch laptop has 8gb ram... and it only cost me 700 dollars..... This was 1.5 yrs ago, and I'm sure apple offers more than 4gb now, but still 1600 was a steep price, especially considering that kid said he had a hard time paying for college...

Sigh... apple. Thanks for creating a whole generation of idiots.

 

[psychotron]

I hope apple suffers some terrible mishap (perhaps some corruption is unearthed, or something else that destroys the entire company) and goes away once and for all.

Apple is evil, but people who buy apple and make stupid claims ("apple made the first portable mp3 player." some idiot in my class actually said that... even the professor was like wow what an idiot lol) are even dumber.

I tutor people on campus, and I was assigned to tutor this kid who was taking CS 103 (a faceroll, easy class where you learn Python... rofl) and he pulled out his macbook pro... "I paid 1600 for this and it has 4gb ram." Really? 1600 for 4gb ram? WOW... my desktop cost me 500 bucks and has 16gb ram, and my 14 inch laptop has 8gb ram... and it only cost me 700 dollars..... This was 1.5 yrs ago, and I'm sure apple offers more than 4gb now, but still 1600 was a steep price, especially considering that kid said he had a hard time paying for college...

Sigh... apple. Thanks for creating a whole generation of idiots.

Apple didn't invent any of these things but they did something about as important, they created a market and consumer interest in them. No one gave 2 craps about MP3 players, smart phones or tablets before Apple made one and marketed them. Plenty of companies released failed devices before them. So you can thank Apple for the device you just wrote that from more than likely.

 

[A.Nonymous]

As much as people here hate the word, I blame Google for their lack of control. They should have set standards manufacturers and carriers must meet before licensing their OS out. Go have a look at the section for Android phones here, there are hundreds. How many are still relevant and being supported currently? Maybe 25%? Far too many manufacturers put out phones and then stop supporting them within a year or less. So the consumer gets screwed on a 2 year contract with a phone that's not being updated or supported. Google is already working on Jellybean when tons if phones dont even have Gingerbread, let alone ICS. It's a mess and Google needs to sort it out, they should have years ago.

Not sure why you hate Android so much yet keep posting on an Android forum. In any case, Google does have criteria that OEMs have to meet in order to get the Google stamp of approval. Fail to meet said criteria and you can't put the Marketplace, GMail app, Maps, etc... on your device.