Mobile purchases: iOS, Android or Windows Phone?

Today, there are overall opportunity to acquire a smartphone with three different operating systems: Apple’s innovative iOS, Google’s open Android platform, and of course, the relatively new Windows Phone from Microsoft. What to choose? We try to guide you in this article.

For many people, the operating system may not be at all important if they just find a phone that they like in the store, but one should keep in mind that the software makes up the whole brain of an electronic device – therefore, one will not get far with a powerful phone if it does not suit one’s needs at all. What if you buy a Windows Phone, but you’re a total Google geek? And does it make sense to buy an Android phone if you use a Mac on a daily basis?

The article is divided into different sections on the operating systems, so our readers can get an introduction to the possibilities. In the end is also a brief conclusion.

iOS: Apple’s operating system

Apple’s iOS platform, formerly known as the iPhone OS, helped kickstart the entire next generation of smartphone phones with touch when Apple’s then top manager, Steve Jobs, launched it in 2007. As with the company’s other products, iOS is reserved for their own devices, which in many ways represents both the biggest advantage and disadvantage – this means optimal utilization of Apple’s hardware, but also that third-party developers have less control.

The latest addition to Apple’s various versions is iOS 7, which has visually changed the original interface in many ways. Gone is the skeuomorphism, where the calendar should look like a real one in leather, and instead Apple’s top designer, Jonathan Ive, has opted for a more modern and flat look. This has received both praise and criticism, but can form its own rating from the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0ErUMeT7uE

The positive thing about iOS is that for many years it has been the mobile standard, so virtually all programs and services are supported by this operating system. Likewise, it follows the company’s philosophy that things should just work smoothly, making it play perfectly with your Mac or iPad. However, Google also has some fanciful programs on the platform, so the choice does not necessarily fall on Android, even if one uses their services as well.

Windows Phone: Microsoft’s New Hope

While Android and iOS were moving forward, Microsoft for many years still had their old Windows Mobile platform. In 2010, however, they started all over again, which led to Windows Phone. In appearance, it was Microsoft’s first piece of software that follows their new, modern design style with the so – called” tiles ” – these are a kind of Home screen tiles that automatically update themselves. This now also helps to define Windows 8 and 8.1, which are previously described here.

One of the highlights of Windows Phone’s short history was when Nokia in 2011 chose to drop Symbian and instead use Windows Phone on all of its products. That’s why Nokia has also been providing the best experience for a long time with good cameras and Sensible Software for navigation, although HTC and Samsung have also launched products. However, in terms of functionality, Windows Phone is lagging behind iOS and Android, and official programs from many developers are missing – especially Google almost ignores the existence of the platform.

Windows Phone is not bad, however, and as a starting point it is for you, they have a good foothold in the Microsoft ecosystem, and at the same time are willing to try something new. The company has a lot to add yet, but if you love the interface, you should look into Nokia’s products in particular.

Android: Google’s open platform

Google’s own operating system for mobile phones, Android, has a long history behind it, which we will not delve into here – looking at Wikipedia, however, you can see that the first device was launched by HTC to the masses in 2008. The characteristic of Android is that it is open (or open-source), which means that all firms can launch an Android product, which is the opposite of Apple’s closed iOS.

First of all, the smart thing about Android, Of course, is that it plays 100% along with the services of the company. In addition, it is possible for companies via Android’s openness to adapt the operating system to any phone by changing everything from the appearance to the core. This is thus both good and bad, since there are a sea of phones with different versions of Android, and therefore one should always examine the software of the model in question that one is considering buying.

At the time of writing, the latest version of Android is the so-called version named KitKat. If you want a phone with this update, Google’s new Nexus 5, as seen in the above video, is a good place to start. This runs the” original ” version of Android, which should be seen in contrast to, for example, HTC’s and Samsung’s products, where manufacturers adapt the software – these are also worth a look, as they thus work differently.

What should I choose?

The answer to the above question simply depends on your habits. Of course, you can always buy a phone because you are captivated by the design or hardware, but the point of this article is simply to point out that the operating system should also be a critical part of a mobile purchase.

However, it should be said that Android and iOS are both well along when it comes to the support of most programs and services. On the other hand, Windows Phone is still behind, so if you do not buy it for Microsoft’s interface or Nokia’s cameras, you should examine the operating system to a greater extent in relation to your personal habits.