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I like Android for the customization and choices. The technology in Android is moving much faster than Apple can produce a new iteration of the iPhone or even iOS. The beauty of Google is the integration of all your Chrome and soon Chrome OS data. No syncing and other cumbersome routines and with cloud computing support which Google is embracing makes it even better.

Android has a one-two punch that's proving hard to beat: 1. Customization that appeals to everyone, from OEM manufacturers to end users. 2. Google's unprecedented pace of iteration. Sure, some partners will grumble about it and some users will be overwhelmed but you can't argue with how far Android has advanced in just under 3 years. Go back and read c|net's 2006-2010 headlines and see the competition's statements (and overall mood) change...it's like watching a ninja assault in slow-motion.

Google can still screw things up, but I think the last 2.5 years have merely been a prelude to the next 6 months.

Never mind the incredible variety of Android handsets expanding even further as it brings both choice to mobile customers and challenges to mobile developers. Forget about how Google's OS continues to lead by embracing partner technologies like DLNA, HDMI, and (so-called) 4G. Put aside the fact that Android Market has only _just_ _this_ _quarter_ reached a point of providing the features and convenience needed to support a rapidly expanding international ecosystem.

Taken alone, the Gingerbread (Android v2.3) release provides impressive evidence for 2011 being the year Android phones pass Apple's offerings in the most critical consumer metrics. And with newly empowered OHA teammates - notably, Samsung & HTC - bringing their proprietary ideas and components into the mix, Android phones will be more often pushing at the leading edge of mobile technology, rather than playing catch-up. With all this in mind, the next two quarters should prove very interesting.

You forgot to mention that with a simple jailbreak the ios can have access to thousands of free apps through cydia and unlimited customization....

It would be more appropriate to announce winners seperately in the two major categories of business and consumer.

And android definitely wins in the consumer segment while blackberry OS wins as the business OS.

@HiroSpinelliav0m Jailbreaking an iPhone isn't always easy, nor is it recommended in many instances. It voids the warranty, for starters. Why should one have to void the warranty on their device simply to have access to more apps?

Google allows the installation of apps from non-Google sources with a simple configuration switch in the settings. So advanced users don't have to go through all the rigmarole of voiding their warranties to have a better user experience.

I don't appreciate a company dictating to me how I should use their device; I'm not a mindless drone. But I guess all those Apple fanboys (and fangirls) out there don't mind being dictated to ....

Yeah, keep an eye on WP7 after mango...

Since a lot of the things covered are subjective, I'd agree that the winner is whichever mOS works for you.

TheSymposium, on 02 June 2011 - 02:23 AM, said:

Nice put down. Do you feel better about yourself now. "I am not a mindless drone." Yeah right. How about something substantive. Don't buy Apple if you don't want their walled garden. Maybe Apple doesn't want to pour resources into supporting non mindless drones who install apps that create problems. Good grief.

You thing Windows Phone 7 is a bigger player than webOS?

Google recently addressed the problem, and will require manufacturers to ensure that devices get software updates within 18 months after their release.

18 months? WTF. That's a lifetime in tech. How about 6 months, at least that way you likely get it before the next major release. With an 18 month lag you could be 3 versions behind.

@bankerdanny:You got the updates thing wrong. Phones will be getting updates for the next 18 months from release date of whatever Android OS exists to be the latest.

I came from Windows Mobile (many versions of it) to Android and I have an iPhone4 for work. And I simply love the Windows Phone 7 interface. That said, I don't think I could leave the power of Android. My iPhone4, while stable, it a bore...Windows Phone 7 is amazing but limited on for an IT Pro like me (I need 100% Outlook syncing and VPN/Remote Desktop)...I have the beautiful Samsung Infuse now...I was tempted to wait for the HTC HD7s at AT&T, I've decided to stick with Android for another contract term. To me, Android is simply Windows MOBILE done right.

garak0410 Ill have to disagree with you WP7 is a young os but the foundation that it has sets it up to a much better Android when Mango drops wp7 will easily be the most efficient,slick and unique os on the market. wp7 is amazing

garak0410 Ill have to disagree with you WP7 is a young os but the foundation that it has sets it up to a much better Android when Mango drops wp7 will easily be the most efficient,slick and unique os on the market. wp7 is amazing

garak0410 Ill have to disagree with you WP7 is a young os but the foundation that it has sets it up to a much better Android when Mango drops wp7 will easily be the most efficient,slick and unique os on the market. wp7 is amazing anyone who hasnt tried it shuold give it a try.

TheSymposium posted Thu Jun 02 03:23:42 PDT 2011

@HiroSpinelliav0m Jailbreaking an iPhone isn't always easy, nor is it recommended in many instances. It voids the warranty, for starters. Why should one have to void the warranty on their device simply to have access to more apps?

Google allows the installation of apps from non-Google sources with a simple configuration switch in the settings. So advanced users don't have to go through all the rigmarole of voiding their warranties to have a better user experience.

I don't appreciate a company dictating to me how I should use their device; I'm not a mindless drone. But I guess all those Apple fanboys (and fangirls) out there don't mind being dictated to ....

As for simple blackra1n works in 30 seconds and as for the warranty just restore and your iphone back to the factory setting and bam there you go warranty is back ....wtf?

Having both an iDevice and Android phone I can tell you from personal experience Android feels cheap in comparison. Also for saying iOS is less customizable that's only if you don't jailbreak it which most iOS users do.

Hell I could make iOS run and look like Android but no one wants that.

Also for gaming, Android is still way behind.

But my biggest complaint with Android has always been the fact it is a cheap iOS clone but with extra malware and extra pre-installed apps. Also with all the malware apps in Android market you'd think it would have more security updates than iOS but it doesn't, it barely gets any.

I think the apps and security alone make iOS better. Who uses either for more than apps? You don't buy an iOS device or Android device and not care about apps. User interface and everything else is secondary to apps for more people.

And as long as Android's apps aren't as high quality as iOS then it fails in comparison and the only users Android will have are those who's wireless companies don't carry iPhone and those who don't wanna pay the cost for an iPhone.

90% of all iPhone haters are from those who are too cheap to buy an iPhone or are jealous their wireless carrier can't get it.


But I'll tell you this much. The moment iPhone becomes available from their wireless carrier, those who aren't cheap are gonna leave Android for iPhone.

@xvMATTLEEvx "Hell I could make iOS run and look like Android but no one wants that. "
Typical fanboi stuff, like the rest of that post. The 2 UIs are different and there is no way to make iOS run like android, no widgets and no live wallpaper. And then the 90% stat, LOL did you actually poll people or just pull a number out of thin air? You can't pull stats out of the air, 67% of people know that.

xvMATTLEEvx, on 02 June 2011 - 02:49 PM, said:

So most users would rather not have a warranty?

Also, what Android phone do you have, and how does it feel cheap? I have an HTC Incredible, and it most certainly feels like a premium quality device.

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If you jailbreak anyway, why not root it and use a custom ROM? As for the malware, I would love to know where you people keep picking this up, as I have never found any! Sorry, but all I see in your statement there is bull [censored].

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I guess haters may be, but some of us truly don't like the iPhone, or other iToys for that matter.

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Interesting, as there wasn't any mass exodus when Apple hit Verizon. In fact, Android smartphones still outsells Apple. Think you might be mistaken?

that's because the android phones are cheaper that's why they sell more and to say that ios looses the battle because of apps or limited customization is ridiculous...