So – why switch to Android?
Formerly being such an advocate of all things Apple (and therefore the iPhone), many people have asked what on Earth has possessed me to switch to Android after building a vast collection of paid-for applications on iTunes. The answer is simple.
Usability
The iPhone is widely praised for its brilliant usability, offering a very simple approach to accessing applications and services through the familiar “home screen.”
It’s great, though I have heard those who are less tech-savvy question why it is not possible to access Facebook friends (for example) through the contacts list, or be able to send a photo directly from a gallery to a Twitter feed. These questions are interesting, especially since those more techy of us can instinctively create a workaround and not notice these as problems.
On picking up another more open smartphone – such as Android, for example – both techies and newbies alike appear to appreciate how everything fits together a lot more than when greeted with the obstructions the iPhone platform creates. Yes, you can send a photo from your photos gallery to Twitter and, yes, you can access Facebook contacts though your phone’s contact list.
Best of all is the fact that most applications natively support notifications (without having to be relayed through third-party servers a la iPhone). Want to know if you have been mentioned in a tweet? Your phone will alert you straight away. Want notifications for your personal email account but don’t want disturbances from work email? Your phone can be customised to do so. The phone is really what you make it.
Frustratingly, how this works is largely in the hands of handset manufacturers and mobile operators – some do it brilliantly (like HTC/T-Mobile with the Hero) others may not (Vodafone and the HTC Magic – 500MB download limit?!). Although Android marketplace simplifies installing add-ons and customisations, it is often difficult for the average consumer to find and install them.
I’m a relatively new user, so using my phone is as much a learning experience as anything else – feel free to email me thoughts and suggestions to teach me more!
I’ve started blogging on Android at http://www.r3troid.com – take a look for my latest views!
