Five reasons Mitch should make the jump from iPhone to Android
- TAGS:Android, Apple, Google, iPhone
- IT TOPICS:Applications, Devices, Linux & Unix, Macintosh, Mobile, Mobile Apps, Operating Systems, Windows
My fellow Computerworld blogger Mitch Wagner is considering switching from the iPhone to Android. He's laid out all the pros and cons in a very clear-sighted way, and asked for help. I've got some advice for you Mitch: Make the switch, sooner rather than later. Here are five new reasons why.
Openness
On the iPhone, Apple functions as the App Police, banning some apps and allowing others with no clear reason. It bans apps from political cartoonists...until one wins the Pulitzer, and then gives the thumbs up. It bans some apps that show women in bikinis...unless the app happens to be a big-name brand, such as Sports Illustrated. Then it gives the thumbs up.
With Android, you can use any app you want. Even if an app isn't in the Android Market, you can still download it and use it.
Apple's fallen and it can't get up
Jonny Evans:
The Android star is rising, how will Apple respond?
Mitch Wagner:
Switching from iPhone to Android
Preston Gralla:
5 reasons Mitch should switch
JR Raphael:
iPhone 4 vs. Android: And the winner is...
Preston Gralla:
Seven reasons Android 2.2 Froyo beats the iPhone
Jason Cross:
Why I switched from iPhone to Android
Widgets
On the iPhone you get a desktop full of icons. With the Android, you get much more control over your desktop, including the ability to add nifty widgets. There are widgets for anything you can imagine, such as using Twitter right from the desktop, and for switching connectivity options on and off.
Better personalization
In general, Apple has something against personalizing all of its products, including the iPhone. Steve Jobs is a bit like Henry Ford in that way, who famously said, "Any customer can have a car painted any colour that he wants so long as it is black."
You'll be able to tweak Android to your heart's content. Not so the iPhone.
Better Google integration
From Google Voice to Gmail and beyond, Android integrates very well with Google services, which should be no surprise considering that Google created Android. If you're a user of various Google services, Android is superior to the iPhone.
More browser choice
You have more choice of browsers on Android, including not just the very good built-in browser, but also Opera, then Firefox at some point, and others as well. On the iPhone you've only got Safari and Opera.
If you need more reasons, check out "Seven reasons Android 2.2 Froyo beats the iPhone."
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