How does the new iOS7, iPhone 5S and 5C make me feel?
iOS7
Having built and refurbished iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, 4S & 5's from scratch using apple grade parts, I am very familiar with the importance of iOS7. I think iOS7 is long over do. I hear mixed reviews on iOS7, but regardless, it is a necessary update. I think people will grow to like it too, sometimes change is good. Apple courts its fan base annually with an announcement disclosing a new phone with new specs and new features. However, The last iOS announcement Apple made announced the removal of native Google Maps app and YouTube app, while inserting Apple Maps app (remember that?? Of course you don't!!) Those changes didn't make a big splash with its constituents. In light of that, I personally believe the iOS7 update to be more of an achievement than the 5S and 5C. Why? I’m glad you asked…
An OS Is A Operating System
Like all system software, updates MUST be applied so that your device runs smoothly. They must be applied so that your device may utilize new hardware. Simply put, iOS7 is the backbone for all Apple features and is necessary to keep the phone running stably and securely (just like the updates you postpone on your computer because you don’t feel like restarting your system).
As faster processors, fingerprint scanners, better cameras, etc enter the mix you need software that can efficiently utilize your phones resources. You can have a phone with all kinds of neat functions but not be able to do simple things like multi task smoothly or have a useful notification center. Why? Because your operating system (OS) is probably outdated and/or configured in a very uninspiring way. So I’m happy Apple updated its operating system, many users already exclaim they like the added features that come with it. The iPhone 5S and 5C really don’t mean anything at all if the OS sucks. I think iOS7 was a major achievement in that it reverses some bad steps that were taken with the last OS while providing a good foundation the iPhone 5S and 5C can grow into.
I really think iOS7 was designed to position themselves to release big things for the iPhone 6, or quite possibly branch from “i” altogether to create something else entirely different (which wouldn't be a bad idea!) I believe that iOS7 is the newest most recent update so it’s only natural that it is perceived as better.
iOS vs Android OS
(disclaimer: This section boils down to preference. If you care to here mine, read on. Otherwise, skip on down to: “iOS7 Parting Thoughts”)
If I had to compare iOS to Android OS, I feel Android still gets the edge. Google made a scene in the mobile industry with the Android operating system. Android is not a Galaxy S4, it’s not an HTC ONE X, it’s not a Moto X, it's not a Sony Xperia. It is the software that runs on these smartphones. Hence why they are nicknamed “Android Phones”…In Google’s world, Android OS updates always garnered wide popularity (much like how the iOS7 is to the Apple Dome today). The difference in my opinion, Google seems to have deeper involvement in collecting, manipulating and applying data in a format that gives people functionality, but most importantly: freedom to end users (us). This is why Google Maps, Google Search, YouTube, Gmail and many other Google apps are so widely preferred over similar applications. Google’s efforts and resources create intelligent applications that everyone is familiar with. Google is a developer hub by trade too, so when they first released Android software it was done experimentally to see how 3rd party developers and manufactures would utilize it. Google has been experimenting with their data like this for years.
Apple made innovative hardware and Apple specific software in the form of a phone (iPhone 3G) that revolutionized how we know smartphones moving forward. Google made innovative software for phone makers which changed how we interact with smartphones moving forward. Apple did truly start the smartphone revolution, but even Apple still incorporates a lot of Google’s interconnected applications on ALL iDevices. Apple (along with other major companies) have tried to phase Google infrastructure out of their primary operations, it’s not entirely impossible to do. However, Apple found that due to their limited data farms and resources, recreating their version of Google services would take time. Apple tried to wing people off of Google applications before, as mentioned above with iOS6. By abruptly getting rid of Google Maps and replacing it with Apple maps then forcing users to use workarounds for the omitted YouTube app, Apple experienced major whiplash. These changes were later reversed of course…
Apple is truly weary about their relationship with Google, but in an effort to keep operations running smoothly they decide (perhaps daily) to commit to make Google a pseudo priority. I believe seeing how apple users still heavily indulge/rely on Google services makes it the only reasonable thing Apple can do. Google provides quality end user experiences that nobody in the world can deny, so it stands to reason that manufactures building smartphones catering to their home brewed Android projects would bring out the best of Google’s trusted brand on mobile platforms.
Each new OS that Android releases comes with so little restriction to the source code that it allows app developers and manufacturers the unique freedom to create powerful features for apps and the physical phone itself. Because of this each new Android OS update is like getting a new phone. Patches and updates are right up Google’s alley, additionally, Google has a intrinsic audience of developers which contribute just as much to Android's OS source. It seems to me that android users experience quality OS updates on a very consistent basis.
Apple users are experiencing this now with their awesome iOS7 update. I have heard Apple users exclaim, it is “like having a new iPhone”. Rightfully so, Apple really revamped the iOS this time, instead of just tweaking a few things here and there. The whole theme of iOS7 is different, and it’s design is made to handle a whole new list of features. Apple says this is the biggest OS update iPhones have ever undergone, since it's first generation. That is a long time.
It is the best one of all the iOS versions but as long as it took Apple’s software to reach this stage, Google has already been dancing on it…
This is important to note, because if I spend my money on something I want to truly know how my items in the cart measure up to competition. Again, preferences still play a major part when making comparisons!
You need a lot of data to continue to make intuitive forward thinking software that is both intelligent enough to learn from you and powerful enough to handle multiple generations of new hardware. The previous iOS versions certainly handled multiple generations of hardware, and quite masterfully by their standards. So this is not to say Apple CAN’T do it, they are! However, the company that has been crunching more data the longest stands to gain an edge in developing the intelligent and powerful software that wins over the ever changing hearts of the consumer. If one company begins to outpace the other in quality operating system updates then they also stand to win the smartphone war on new innovative features too...
Google has been collecting user data for how long now???
I believe that is why Google will continue to leap and bound in this area as long as the mobile industry continues to desire “something different”.
A lot of features iOS7 recently released have long since been available on Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0) operating system. ICS 4.0 became available around this time, back in 2011, back when iOS5 was making my fellow nerds scream…Jelly Bean has since come out, and as a result, you have android phones utilizing air gestures, Eye Sensors, Smart Stylus, multi window screens, NFC, software compatibility with non-android systems; features and services that iOS7 either doesn't provide yet or is just now starting to master (and lets not even go into rooting vs jail breaking). Quite frankly, some of these things are not even on Apple’s agenda as they pursue other successful projects like iTunes, iCloud, Slo-Motion Video and AirDrop. So it's not like Apple can't duplicate these functionalities. The question is, will the direction they pursue be the one people ultimately want?? Will it be worth the cost? Are they listening to what their people want?? We can only speculate…In the meantime, Google is preparing the release of its next OS version “Kit Kat”…who knows what all that will entail. I stand a witness though, that when you have multiple Android OS updates rolling out increasingly popular installments over the span of 4 years versus Apple’s 1 big “face-lift” in the past 6 years, it leads me to believe Google is making moves based off of successful anticipation of which tech to focus on developing in conjunction with giving the consumers what they ask for. And as an educated consumer, these are things I want to know! For example, a poll suggest that the majority of apple users asked for/expected the next iPhone to have a 5" screen then that 5S and 5C should have had a 5" screen. Whether it is software or hardware or looks consumers shouldn't always have to feel like "maybe the next iPhone will have it" ...that gets old real quick.
iOS7 Parting Thoughts
Honestly??? I think everyone should have a fast intuitive notification center, I want everyone to enjoy iTunes Radio improvements, I think a fresh look on ones iPhone screen is a major bonus, I believe iPhones should have an operating system that takes advantage of the A7 processor chips’ speed and power. AirDrop software that works and doesn't slow the phone down?? Yes Please!
Dear iOS7, the Apple users have been waiting for you!
Cook should be relieved that the roll out of iOS7 was successful in the Apple Dome. Yes, I believe that iOS7 was a successful move. It’s the true first step away from Steve Job’s vision. I believe that moving out of the Jobs era will be an important transition for Apple. Now that the company has taken real steps beyong the old regime, they may begin to see the continued importance of placing emphasis on OS updates. Hopefully Apple doesn't plan to wait 6 more years to complete the next revolutionary iOS update. In an industry that changes every 6 weeks that would be a fatal business error. We’ll see though! It’s worked this long right?? This point is probably still up for debate.
The iPhone 5S and 5C
Moving on, the 5S and 5C serve as iterations of the model before it and sport fundamentally relevant upgrades (better camera, different colors, etc), with a bell (upgraded processor) and whistle (fingerprint scanner). I feel like these changes along with the fact that it is a NEW phone by default make these models worthy of being called the best iPhone.
1) I feel people who just love “Apple” the company, or the design of the phones, or the user familiarity, or the proprietary environment Apple provides…should still assess their situation before buying the new iPhone. Do you own an iPhone 5 already? Then buying a 5S or 5C wouldn't be worth the coin as you are practically purchasing the same phone you already have. Remember, the OS is the back bone! You are already getting iOS7, for free. The i5 family as a whole is optimized to take advantage of iOS7. You guys would be better off waiting for the iPhone 6 you know? If you own any model under the 5 then YOU will benefit the most seeing how you will see more functional and aesthetic change in the design (bigger screen, thinner, lighter, different colors depending on the model), hardware (faster processor, better camera, fingerprint scanner depending on the model) and software (iOS7). If you are just rolling in the dough, or have a “hook up” then have at the new phones! Stand in line to get the full experience! Oh yeah, and don't forget to donate to my business too!
2) If you are open to the idea of comparing the new iPhone 5S and 5C to other manufacturers altogether you may find surprisingly powerful replacements that better suit your preferences. Today, you have smartphones showcasing all the things and peripherals that iPhones showcase if not more (ie Google Chrome Cast, on-board memory, expandable memory, removable batteries, micro usb ports, 5" super amoled displays, processors and graphics processors and operating systems that yield unique users experiences, Air Gestures, NFC, S Pen, S Voice, Video Gaming, open ecosystems for ease of compatibility with other tech, all of Google’s Apps “Optimized”.) That is a whole other post I realize, but if you ever have questions feel free to ask me or anybody you feel is knowledgeable with tech. You’ll know if you fall into this group or not if you weren't that impressed with this year’s Apple announcements or you think iOS7 looks like Android OS. I implore you to look around and take your time... No reason to spend that hard earned Christmas cash “just because everybody's doing it".
Conclusion?
In conclusion, be a smart buyer and I'm sure you will make the best choice that suits your preferences. There, I've told you what I make of all this! Share your thoughts and tell me how you all feel!! How do you feel about iOS7? iPhone 5S? iPhone 5C?
(I've included some resources that I read, some were good, others just informative!)
The iPhone 5S Scanner:
http://gizmodo.com/iphone-5s-first-impressions-so-about-that-fingerprint-1355821188?utm_campaign=socialflow_gizmodo_twitter&utm_source=gizmodo_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow
Apple's Future From Apple Fan Perspective:
http://news.yahoo.com/apple-t-rely-design-forever-225429189.html
8 reasons to consider Android phones:
http://techland.time.com/2013/09/20/8-reasons-you-should-consider-switching-to-android/
I hope this little post provided a good read at the very least! Please do share it
Follow me on Twitter! @Joe_Andrew
Peace
- JA
