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May be leaving Android

ardchoille

ardchoille

Android Expert
Please keep in mind that the content herein is my opinion, please be respectful with replies.

My first Android device was the HTC G1/Dream, purchased on release day, and I've been in love with Android ever since. But, lately it seems the love affair is turning sour. Why? Allow me to explain.

When I turned on my HTC G1 android phone for the first time I was immediately greeted with a beautiful user interface - the buttons, the notification bar, the gradients, it was all so beautiful. I've owned several Android devices spanning Coby, HTC, LG, Motorola, Samsung and am currently on the HTC Evo View 4G tablet. During my Android journey I had the honor of running Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread and, finally, Honeycomb. The user interfaces from Cupcake through Froyo were beautiful - their gradients, buttons, window animations were eye candy in every sense of the phrase.

Gingerbread brought a change, though, one that I found disappointing. The gradients and colors that I had fallen in love with were replaced with dark backgrounds and green highlights. Reminded me of something I had created decades ago with an old version of MS Paint when I was just learning how to theme software.

Honeycomb replaced the green highlights with blues but the dark "hacker" feel of the UI is still there. Honeycomb caused a further degradation in the UI due to inconsistent menu button placement.

Google seems to have continued this UI trend with Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0), which is simply unprofessional and somewhat painful viewing on a device that we have to stare at for the entirely of its use. What happened? The Android 1.0 UI is by far more beautiful than that of Android 4.0.

I've never owned an Apple product, and never had much love for Apple, but I spent an hour on an iPad today. Below are just some of the differences I found:

Menus:
The iOS "plus" button is always in the top right corner in every app.

Android menu buttons in Honeycomb are sometimes in the top right corner and sometimes in the button bar at the bottom of the screen depending on the app. This leads me to believe there are no standards for the UI. I felt it was very inconsistent.

UI:
The iPad is beautiful with its gradients and colors, very easy on the eyes. The iPad has a screen resolution of 2048 x 1024 (?). Text manipulation worked the exact same across all apps.

Android has devolved from a beautiful UI to one of 2 color, 2D and too dark. Screen resolutions in Android change depending on which manufacturer happens to make a particular device but I haven't found one with a screen resolution similar to a new iPad. Text manipulation in Android varies depending on which keyboard/manufacturer skin the user happens to be stuck with. There were some websites in which the copy/paste functions didn't work at all. Android screen appearance varies depending on the type of screen included in the device.

Web browser:
The web browser on the iPad has tabs visible at all times, no searching or swiping for tabs.

The Android web browser hides tabs requiring the user to swipe to use them.

Hardware:
iPads are similar. I can jump from one iPad to another and know what to expect.

Android devices ship with whatever hardware the manufacturer can acquire, meaning that some Android devices can run apps that can't even be installed on other devices.

Price:
There is a store near me that sells the iPad2 for about the same price as the Asus Transformer Prime. This was puzzling because the Android OS is free, manufacturers pay nothing for it, and the Android tablets I viewed had hardware that was inferior to the iPad.

Consistency:
I have several friends who own Android devices and using them is a challenge because apps on one phone won't run on another or the keyboards are too different to make typing comfortable - and they're all stock devices. I really don't want to have to learn new ways to do something every time I use a different Android device. I feel that iPad wins in the Consistency category.

Dear Google, I'm sorry, but your cavalier attitude toward what could have been the best and most beautiful mobile operating system known to man has prompted me to look elsewhere. You really need to start setting some standards and look up the definition of the word "consistency". I've been with Android since day one and have created themes, apps and ROMs for this awesome platform. But, the way you're treating it lately just makes me think you're really not serious about it. So why should anyone else be serious about it? I'll keep my fingers crossed and hope that you learn some things by the time Jelly Bean is released.
 
Well the choice is completely up to you and you have to decide what is best for yourself. It all comes down to person taste. I personally like the UI of ICS and think many apps are adopting similar UI but as you eloquently put there isn't the unity in Android when compared to iOS. I really hate to see you go.
 
jefboyardee said:
Very well written. I, too, have no intention of getting an iPhone, but that may be because I haven’t let myself try one... yet.
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I tried the iPhone when they were first offered.. hated it. Today I tried an iPad and almost bought one. Over the years I've created themes, apps and roms for Android, so that's saying quite a bit.
 
I know what u mean about the fragmentation issue across multiple phones. It would be nice if they could trim that up a little but they offer such a wide price range of phones that some of them just weren't built to run some of the newer software. So its choice over consistency.

As for the UI, after having ICS, I can't imagine going backward. I think it makes previous OS versions pale in comparison. Bottom line though, its all user preference and that's one of the greatest strengths (and perhaps in some cases a weakness depending on how u look at it)...we have a lot of choices. Phones, OS, included hardware, UI tweaks to user preference. Apps, widgets and launchers to shake up the look of things, rooting/roms for those who are into that. The list goes on.

IPhone has basically one phone other than color and onboard memory size differences for which they charge and arm and a leg IMO. So they've had a lot of time to get it just how THEY want it. Keyword being they.
 
My phone shipped with Eclair. I've seen Froyo, Gingerbread, and now ICS. Personally I like the UI for ICS, but it is a major departure from Android 2.x. I've used other people's iPhones, and still have no desire to own one.

Apple's UI and hardware are definitely more consistent. That's the advantage of keeping iOS closed, and it's definitely easier to just pick up and use.

You mentioned the Android tablets being as expensive as the iPad, even though Android is free. Why should that make any difference? Apple isn't paying for iOS, either. So, iOS or Android, the user isn't paying for the cost of the OS.

That said, if I had the money for a tablet right now, I would get an iPad. As far as tablets go, no one has a made a better tablet yet, Android or otherwise. I guess I would still have to stomach iTunes, though... The only other tablet that really caught my interest was the tab/laptop hybrid Lenovo showed running Windows 8 at CES. That thing will probably cost well over $1,000 though. It's weird that the iPad still has the best screen for a tablet considering that Samsung makes most of Apple's displays.
 
Fair enough if that's your general feeling for the OS and how it appears to you. It's that very non-conformity and differences which make me prefer android after two years of apple. To my mind there will always seem something of the stepford wives about how apple arrange their OS and products. However, if pastures new stand out for you, then I wish you luck.
 
The iPhones certainly have improved a bit since they began. I had a 3GS for two and enjoyed it thoroughly. Unfortunately, the customisation of Android and ease of app installation / music addition / syncing in general has won me over forever. I had a jailbroken iPhone, but even a non-rooted Android has more usablility / customisability. iPhones have the advantage of being very user-friendly, since iOS is fully integrated and nearly untouchable, so anyone who just wants their phone to 'work', will find the iPhone experience very pleasing!
 
ardchoille said:
Gingerbread brought a change, though, one that I found disappointing. The gradients and colors that I had fallen in love with were replaced with dark backgrounds and green highlights. Reminded me of something I had created decades ago with an old version of MS Paint when I was just learning how to theme software.
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That's the one I like the best. TBH I detest gradients, pastel blues, pale themes, etc and pseudo shiny reflections(hello Apple!) on everything. Suppose it's just down to personal taste though.
 
I just opened a second line and added an iPhone 4s today actually. I have been on Android for 4 years and 6 phones now. I have grown tired of having to buy a new phone at full retail just to get the new OS, it's ridiculous. Carriers don't care about upgrading loyal customers, their only concern is flooding the market with new phones every 4-6 months to grab new customers and new contracts. They delay updating phones because they want their shiny new phones to get the newest OS first. I am with Sprint and my Galaxy S2 is hardly 6 months old, ICS has been out 4 months now. Where is it? They expect us to believe they are still working on it when in fact, they are just killing time until the Nexus and new HTC phones come out running it. I am tired if the BS and waiting around for updates while my new phone runs an outdated OS.

At least with the iPhone, everyone gets the update the same day it's released as it should be. Apple will also support their devices for at least 2-3 years unlike some Android manufacturers who have abandoned phones less than a year after putting them out to move on to something new and screwing the ones who bought it and who are stuck with it for 2 years. I already own an iMac, MacBook, new iPad and iPod touch, so keeping the iPhone and selling my S2 is a very likely option. There are things I like better on Android but things I like better on iOS, would love to combine the two actually. I have 2 weeks to decide and 2 more weeks to see if Samsung/Sprint are serious about updating my phone to ICS.
 
So being the photographer that I am, one of the first things I wanted to do when I got the 4s was go test its camera against the S2. Thought I would include a few pics since some others may be on the fence about which platform or phone to get. Both feature an 8MP camera. 1st and 3rd shots are from the iPhone. From the dozen or so pics I shot, I found the iPhone camera to produce the better looking images. You can even see it looking at the thumbnails. The iPhone pics are sharper, better contrast/saturation, better color tones and you get more of a wide angle than with the S2. However, 2 things that puzzle me. First being the fact that Samsung actually makes cameras, Apple does not. I figured Samsung would win rather easily here. Second thing is the S2 totally whoops the iPhone when it comes to settings. Samsung includes features usually reserved for more advanced cameras like exposure value meter, control over white balance, ISO, metering, an anti shake feature, blink detection...very nice stuff. Apple gives you nothing really. Grid view and HDR :rolleyes: The end result is lacking from the S2 though which is disappointing. Both were shot at default settings as most every user would shoot it. Video was about the same. The iPhone looked better and the sound was by far better on the 4s in playback both on the devices and on the computer.
 

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Just to second what eyebeam said us guides will need to upgrade our spam fighting skills if you leave...maybe that will come with a raise ;)...You have helped out a tremendous amount here :)
 
ardchoille - you are a credit to any venue wherever I've followed you.

I believe that it's us consumers against the makers and that competition helps us consumers win.

I hope that your insights are taken to heart in the right circles.

Who knows, perhaps someday you'll become deeply entrenched in the iCamp. Should that happen, I'll never say our loss because your contributions to Android will not die, I'll just say their gain and await your insightful reports that will always be welcome here.

Whatever the future brings, you are a credit to everyone who believes that there is no best, just the best for any individual at any point in time.

And finally, I want to say as a happy owner of Apple and Android products that your level-headed views crystallize what is really important - getting the most from our hard-earned cash with our mobile device investments in ways that work for us personally.

We differ in our choices but I sincerely salute you - sir! :) ;)
 
I had to do a double take when I saw who started this thread. :p

What's up, Ard!

I agree with you a 100% about the Ipads. The IOS UI for tablets is perfect. Very simple to use, it runs great and it does what I want a tablet to do. I'm not on the Ipad all day long so simplicity is appreciated and welcomed especially when my tablet use is pretty straightforward. Now if we're talking about having the Iphone and Ipad all day long with the same UI, I think I prefer variety to keep me sane.

As for ICS, I actually like it a lot more than GB especially the new app drawer. I think it's a definite upgrade in functionality and has great potential. I'd probably still prefer an IOS UI for a tablet though because I don't need widgets, customizable homescreens or a special launcher on a tablet.

I hope you stick with Android as a phone because I think you'll end up liking ICS or JB as a phone UI even if you don't like the colors and set up. Anyways, you can always change it.

Have a good one!
 
EarlyMon said:
ardchoille - you are a credit to any venue wherever I've followed you.

I believe that it's us consumers against the makers and that competition helps us consumers win.

I hope that your insights are taken to heart in the right circles.

Who knows, perhaps someday you'll become deeply entrenched in the iCamp. Should that happen, I'll never say our loss because your contributions to Android will not die, I'll just say their gain and await your insightful reports that will always be welcome here.

Whatever the future brings, you are a credit to everyone who believes that there is no best, just the best for any individual at any point in time.

And finally, I want to say as a happy owner of Apple and Android products that your level-headed views crystallize what is really important - getting the most from our hard-earned cash with our mobile device investments in ways that work for us personally.

We differ in our choices but I sincerely salute you - sir! :) ;)
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NOW BAN HIM Early!!! haha :p
 
I got to use an ipad for a few months, the interface was not as consistent as they claim, some menu buttons were at the top, others at the bottom, etc, I tended to have to hunt for things.
I added my google calendar then had to go to the special ios support site to enable my other calendars, then the ipad ignored my color choices and made them all fit the theme apple choose which was varying shades of brown/orage and orange/brown, I couldn't tell which was which.
The browser was pretty bad, very few web site actually workes either becauese they just doen't work well with webkit or needed flash. but you could always buy apps for those sites, nickle and diming you all the way. I'd like a tablet but apple stuff isn't even on the list to consider after using it.
 
I have never used Cupcake but I have used all the variants since and IMO things have only got better. ICS is the best yet in terms of visuals. And I don't want my phone to look like yours, thats choice not fragmentation. Still each to there own. If you go the iOS way you wont have to worry about choice.
 
First, let me say that I want things to "just work" in a visually appealing UI and the iPad did that for me. I only have a few apps installed from the Play Store and, from what I saw of the iPad, I shouldn't need too much from the iTunes store anyway. It's not for everyone and, as others have stated here, each person should use what works for them and allow others to do the same.

Secondly, I think what I'm going to do is create another ROM for my personal use and make it work the way I want it to work - I can do that with my current Android devices. I've been doing this since Gingerbread but it's a lot of work - rewriting every app on the device - too much work for me to want to do it with each new Android release. I suppose I could grab an MIUI ROM and use that as a base. Android may end up getting better, who knows.

Finally, I may be leaving Android, but I'm not leaving my friends.. and my friends are here :) I'll be hanging around here for a while.
 
ardchoille said:
First, let me say that I want things to "just work" in a visually appealing UI and the iPad did that for me. I only have a few apps installed from the Play Store and, from what I saw of the iPad, I shouldn't need too much from the iTunes store anyway. It's not for everyone and, as others have stated here, each person should use what works for them and allow others to do the same.

Secondly, I think what I'm going to do is create another ROM for my personal use and make it work the way I want it to work - I can do that with my current Android devices. I've been doing this since Gingerbread but it's a lot of work - rewriting every app on the device - too much work for me to want to do it with each new Android release. I suppose I could grab an MIUI ROM and use that as a base. Android may end up getting better, who knows.

Finally, I may be leaving Android, but I'm not leaving my friends.. and my friends are here :) I'll be hanging around here for a while.
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I saw your post on G+ yesterday and I was quite surprised myself. I can't say anything that hasn't already been said, but we all want you to get a device and OS that works for you. Good luck with whatever you decide, I'm glad to see you still decided to hang around AF so we can all chat with you once in a while. :)
 
I like things to just work too. The iPhone has been off the charger for 12 hours now and I have used it quite a bit installing apps, being online, texting etc...my Galaxy S2 would be headed for the charger right about this time, the iPhone is still at like 75% battery :) it's been a joy to not ave to baby it and close most apps after I am done with them for fear of it draining my battery. Also nice to have no apps force closing on me which was becoming all too common on the S2. I"ll gladly take a "boring OS" over one that isn't nearly as stable and effective. Besides, I can always jailbreak if I want to change things up.
 
i agree on a lot what you have said...

iphone and i products are very good in what they want to do.

I just hate APPLE for the way they do business. how they F- the competition in shaddy double talk. on this alone .. i will not give them a $
 
psychotron said:
I like things to just work too. The iPhone has been off the charger for 12 hours now and I have used it quite a bit installing apps, being online, texting etc...my Galaxy S2 would be headed for the charger right about this time, the iPhone is still at like 75% battery :) it's been a joy to not ave to baby it and close most apps after I am done with them for fear of it draining my battery. Also nice to have no apps force closing on me which was becoming all too common on the S2. I"ll gladly take a "boring OS" over one that isn't nearly as stable and effective. Besides, I can always jailbreak if I want to change things up.
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You are funny my friend, it is not about you. Anyway good luck to ARDCHOILLE ,whether it is IOS or Android it is all about doing what best fit your wants and needs.
 
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