[PCWorld]

Post your comments for Why I Switched from iPhone to Android here

[VasileSurdu]

android 2.2 is superb..
i cant imagine what 2.3 or other versions will be like...

they have huuuuge potential

[StockInvestor]

Everyone is certainly entitled to their own opinion.

For myself, I have an Archos 5" Internet Tablet running Android. I'm not impressed with Android. It's missing the polish that Apple's iPhone OS has. I have a twitter app, TwitDroid, which is not very good. Not very compelling to use. The email and the keyboard don't feel very good to me either. I guess I am used to the iPhone. The biggest apps for me are my stock trading app and my todo app. I of course need the integrated contacts and calendar. And since I use MobileMe, I get those via Apple's service. However, I could easily get that same functionality from Google.

Anyway, back to my trading app. I use TD Ameritrade and they have their app for both Android and iPhone. But they are not equals. The Android app lacks the polish and even feature-set of the iPhone app. Not to mention, I have essentially the same app on the iPhone as the iPad. Well, I have the bigger brother app on the iPad. Same with todo. The apps are brothers so that my iPhone and my iPad are virtually the same. I have Deliveries which I use to monitor shipments. Again, iPhone and iPad.

Since we both have iPads I think we both have likely felt that the phone is less important now. I tend to use my iPad for almost everything. But still, checking a todo, looking at a stock price and checking on deliveries is still high on my list. But more than that, I happen to own Nike+ shoes. I'd been using the add on receiver with my iPod until the 3Gs released which has a built-in receiver for the Nike+ sensor in the show. The 3Gs also syncs with my audible books and the android does not. So walking or jogging while listening to my audible books is out. My music is managed with iTunes. I suppose there is a 3rd party way to sync that. It just seems to me that you have to go through a whole lot of trouble to get something that somewhat works where as the Apple method just works right now.

I personally can't stand Flash on web sites, so I don't care that Apple blocked it. In fact, I agree with it. I also agree that developers should use Apple's tools. We see this in Adobe products now. We have CoreImage on the Mac, but Adobe doesn't seem to take advantage. They are too busy developing once and delivering everywhere. That just makes everything equal. I don't want equal. I bought a machine for it's features and I expect developers to develop to those features. That's what this is about.

As someone who has owned quite a few Blackberry devices I can tell you, the reason the iPhone is doing so well is because the software is so much better on the iPhone. It's a full generation ahead. One of the best apps on the Blackberry was Todo Matrix. And I asked the developers if they were going to write it for the iPhone. They said, no because they couldn't easily port it. They lost my business. Well, it turns out I found software that is better looking, easier to use and faster for about $4.99. If everything were equal, that wouldn't be possible. The fact that he couldn't port his app is exactly what I want. I don't want the 100% blackberry experience on my iPhone. I want the iPhone experience on my iPhone.

You think Adobe cares one bit about my experience? Seriously? They don't. They just want to sell the dev tools. Well, I don't really care if developers have it easy or hard. I'm paying them for their software. I expect it to perform well and be great. I don't want ToDO Matrix just like it was on the Blackberry on the iPhone because the developer doesn't feel like putting in the effort. If the developer doesn't want to deal with the iPhone, he can stay off that platform.

I also live in San Francisco. I used to get dropped calls, and so I left the iPhone and was using a Storm 2. But recent upgrades made the iPhone pretty good here. I don't have the same problems you described at all. I used to get just a couple bars in my apartment, but it seems to work fine. I recently bought a MicroCell just to be safe. So my home experience is perfect now. My office is in South San Francisco, so no problem there. I just don't think it is as horrible as it was. I'll take you at your word because when the 3G version first released it was bad. I got 5 dropped calls in one hour. And that was enough for me to switch to the Storm 2 via Verizon.

Blackberry is my next favorite phone. But I still say that the iPhone has by far the superior product. If you use all of it's features, which I do. I love the Nike+ feature. I love the Audible books. And I love the simple music management. It's all tied together. Android really needs an entire eco system of its own before I would call it an equal of the iPhone.

[Jarcikon]

I think you summarize it very well. I have been an Android user from the very start, almost solely because of my dislike for Apple's controlling ways. In comparing it with my brother's iPhone, I found that the iPhone definitely did better in many areas.

There were many many more quality apps on the iPhone. Their OS was (and still is) more polished and easier to use, although not nearly as powerful in my opinion.

However, Android keeps getting better at a very fast rate. Their are more and more quality apps coming out all of the time. The new features in FroYo are very awesome, Flash being the most obvious, and I think people are underestimating what could be done with the new "Push" interface that allows you to initiate actions on your phone from another device, like your PC.

I think Verizon's involvement helped it really move to the next level, in terms of hardware (Droid, Droid Incredible) and in terms of popularity (more people know "Droid" than "Android").

The gap between Android and iPhone OS is not as big now. The polish of iPhone doesn't overcome AT&T's lousy network or it's lack of Flash support. I'm sure Apple will fire back with some good stuff in June, but will it make up for lack of Flash? Will they move to other carriers? Will they open core OS features (browser, dialer, etc) to developers who want to offer replacements. Will they offer a version of the iPhone with a hardware keyboard for those who want one? Don't hold your breath on any of those.

[JosephLopez]

@ Stock Investor.
I'm not going to read your whole wall of crap text, but I will reply to what I have read. Your declaring of one platform as superior to the other based on the apps is idiotic at this point. If you're unhappy with the quality of the apps on your android platform, blame the devs of that app, not Google.
That being said,Android is the *junior* OS here. CURRENTLY there are more apps for the iphone OS, and generally those apps have been in existence longer and developed more.
Google is pushing Android hard these days if you haven't noticed. More mobile phone makers are moving towards Android, which will bring more android devs who want a piece of market, the Android development kit is more user friendly, and Google's business model is better. Eventually the amount and quality of apps on Android will be equal to or better than the iPhone OS, which btw, after using both, is NOT as polished or as nice as the current Android 2.1 Eclair. With Froyo coming out...can't even imagine.

[nexusforce]

I think I couldn't live without my nexus one (now running Froyo). I have personally owned all three generations of the iphones (iPhone, iPhone 3g, iPhone 3gs) and also owned the G1, my touch, now Nexus one, can say that Google's whole ecosystem is for me at least much more beneficial and usable. The iphone has it pluses, the slick user interface and the ease of use however thats where the positives run out because at a cost of loss of functionality the iphone gains its "too" simple UI. Android just provides more when it comes to power use. On Android I got my gmail accounts synced with my calendar, google docs, and google voice. I mean just thanks to google voice I have been able to reduce my bill to $25 a month by just paying for data, since Google voice gives me unlimited free texting and visual voicemail accessible not just on my phone but any internet connected device and for voice calling I just use voip. Now with Froyo we also have not only app back up but the app's data backed up too. On apples ecosystem when i got a new iphone I had to sync it with the computer and use the slow as molasses iTunes software to transfer over my apps and data, on Android all of this is done over the air straight to the phone without connecting it to any computer and if I get a new Android phone I just sign in with my gmail account and everything syncs to that new phone (apps, contacts, photos, calendar, and docs). Besides all that the freedom of choice that google gives the user of Android is something I wouldn't trade (that + GV), like being able to download any app through other distributions channels like the SD card or the internet so that its like an actual "computer" just find an app online and download the "app".apk and it gets installed as simple as installing a .exe file on windows. Those are just some reasons why to me Android is indispensable and better than the iphone.

[MichaelPatton]

I never had an iphone. I had a Blackberry Storm 2. I wouldn't even use that for a paperweight now. Now I have the HTC Droid incredible. Only nagging issue is battery life, but the turn by turn navigation with voice and gps, the 8MP camera, the ridiculous social media/google apps functionality built in and so much more makes this phone, well, accurately named.

[rcossebo]

I'm still amazed at the reasoning behind dropping the iPhone and going to Droid. It worries me that people have become so shallow as to pick and chose on such juvenile things like twitter and other social networking vehicles. We have become a generation of NON Communicators. Our people skills are depleting faster than our intelligence is growing. We are reverting to idiots instead of advancing to higher levels of refinement! That being said, I am one who is looking forward to whatever Mr. Jobs says in June and looking forward to buying my 4th iPhone; yes, I have all of the generations to date! If AT&T is causing you problems, communicate with them, don't bitch about it in a blog or news column. Don't you think they get enough of that and THAT is not what will turn the ship? As far as you JUMPING SHIP, great, more band width for me! It the problem is too many users it's great that you all are leaving because my service keeps getting BETTER AND BETTER. THANK YOU! So when you run into issues with Droid and Verizon don't start complaining about it, because it's a creation of your own making; oh and thanks again for freeing up more band width for me!

[cadamsesq]

Dear Apple. I have a 3G iPhone. It's the coolest phone I've ever had, and I would happily consider upgrading to 4G. But I probably won't for one reason: Flash. I don't care about the technical stuff, nor do I care about what the future of the web might be ... the NOW of the web is Flash. And without it, my iPhone is largely useless for the web. So I see no reason to be stuck with another year of AT&T's crappy "service" here in San Francisco. Thus, unless I hear of a major change in policy for the 4G, I'm switching to Android.

[FalKirk]

I just wanted to address one aspect of your post:"…shouldn't developers and consumers be the ones to decide if software is crappy or not?"

In a word, no.

You have the right to buy from Apple, buy from a competitor or not buy at all. Apple has the right to decide what merchandise it will sell in its store. The end. Nothing evil or complicated about that. Just the way it is in every store in most every country in the world.

Okay, okay, you say. I get it, Apple has the RIGHT to be a dic...er, ah, dictator. But why should they exercise that right? Won't they make even more money if they give me choice?

In a word, no.

There are many reasons why restricting choice is often the best way to go. For an understanding of how too much choice often reduces sales, I recommend a book called “The Paradox of Choice”.

Another, very different, but very legitimate reason to be choosy about what goods a store chooses to sell is that they are trying to create an image. This too can increase sales, sometimes dramatically.

What would happen to the cachet of a high end jewelry store if they also had, side-by-side with their most expensive jewelry, counters displaying cheap baubles and trinkets? What would happen to the image of a high-class shoe store if they also carried cheap knock-offs and second-hand goods? What would happen to the image of Victoria’s Secret if they also carried the same line of cheap, functional nightgowns and granny panties that Walmart did? What would happen to the marketing of an Italian, Chinese, or Sushi restaurant if they were forced to sell all types of food instead of specializing?

You want choice? You got it. Apple is running a high-class restaurant. Google is running a buffet. There is no one way, right way, good or evil way. There are just choices.

Apple is making a choice. You don’t approve? Eat elsewhere. But don’t claim that Apple’s menu is inherently wrong (and especially don’t claim that they are evil) when their menu has attracted so very many customers to their restaurant. Maybe, just maybe, Apple knows that by reducing the size of their menu and increasing the quality of their food that they will attract a more desirable consumer. And maybe, just maybe, consumers will decide that while buffets are cheaper and provide more options, that they prefer eating in a restaurant with just a tad more class.

[RyanHerzig]

@cadamsesq
I'm thinkin' its pretty obvious Adobe will never develop for Apple, especially after the stunts Apple has recently been pulling against Adobe. And also, what would that say about Apple if it all the sudden did an about-face and welcomed Adobe with open arms. It would say that Apple has NO idea of what the people want if they were to so dramatically fight against something then later trying to adopt it.
I think the iPhone is a wonderful device, (i prefer Android though). My "beef" is with Apple, not necessarily their products.

[GuildenNL]

You do know that you can run the superior OS on that iPhone don't you? Android knocks down the Evil Emperor's walls: http://www.androidoniphone.com

[TheDudeAbidz]

Well said. Apple sucks as a company, but I've always liked their products. Too bad I don't like Steve Jobs's ego deciding what people should be able to do with their products. It's not about you, Steve. I'm not drinking the kool-aid. I'm sticking with Android, bugs and all.

[guzz11]

FalKirk, on 24 May 2010 - 02:49 PM, said:

I just wanted to address one aspect of your post:"…shouldn't developers and consumers be the ones to decide if software is crappy or not?"

In a word, no.

You have the right to buy from Apple, buy from a competitor or not buy at all. Apple has the right to decide what merchandise it will sell in its store. The end. Nothing evil or complicated about that. Just the way it is in every store in most every country in the world.

Okay, okay, you say. I get it, Apple has the RIGHT to be a dic...er, ah, dictator. But why should they exercise that right? Won't they make even more money if they give me choice?

In a word, no.

There are many reasons why restricting choice is often the best way to go. For an understanding of how too much choice often reduces sales, I recommend a book called “The Paradox of Choice”.

Another, very different, but very legitimate reason to be choosy about what goods a store chooses to sell is that they are trying to create an image. This too can increase sales, sometimes dramatically.

What would happen to the cachet of a high end jewelry store if they also had, side-by-side with their most expensive jewelry, counters displaying cheap baubles and trinkets? What would happen to the image of a high-class shoe store if they also carried cheap knock-offs and second-hand goods? What would happen to the image of Victoria’s Secret if they also carried the same line of cheap, functional nightgowns and granny panties that Walmart did? What would happen to the marketing of an Italian, Chinese, or Sushi restaurant if they were forced to sell all types of food instead of specializing?

You want choice? You got it. Apple is running a high-class restaurant. Google is running a buffet. There is no one way, right way, good or evil way. There are just choices.

Apple is making a choice. You don’t approve? Eat elsewhere. But don’t claim that Apple’s menu is inherently wrong (and especially don’t claim that they are evil) when their menu has attracted so very many customers to their restaurant. Maybe, just maybe, Apple knows that by reducing the size of their menu and increasing the quality of their food that they will attract a more desirable consumer. And maybe, just maybe, consumers will decide that while buffets are cheaper and provide more options, that they prefer eating in a restaurant with just a tad more class.

It's actually more like this. Apple, yes is running a classy restaurant that requires a jacket and proper attire but it only caters to the a SMALL demographic of people. Apple has a great image, YES, but they are full of themselves and a great example of that is messing with ADOBE. Here is a side note about Apples, arrogance. I am a 9 year Graphic Web Designer and a huge fan of ADOBE and Flash since that's what puts food on my table. Back in the days Adobe and Apple were best friends when Apple was not the big boy they are now and because of ADOBE's softwares (Photoshop, Illustrator etc.), Apple made a lot of money because of Adobe. How DARE Apple go against Adobe when Apple already know that they sell a lot of Mac's because Adobe's software. If Adobe decides not to support Mac for there softwares, Apple will LOSE big time.

Getting back on the topic, Apple runs a classy restaurant but GOOGLE is running a restaurant for the 90% of the MASSES not the minority demographic. That's why Android is growing at the speed of sound. Think of Google's restaurant as Fridays or Ruby Tuesday. Who the hell want's to pay a 100 dollars a person for a dish when 60 bucks pays for 5 people, plus the food is excellent and service is great and I know I can go to any Friday's I want to. Yes Apple was there first so they have made a large print in the smartphone industry but ANDROID has already caught up as far as functionality and smoothness. Now, developers and game designers such as GAMELOFT have already realized very quickly that Android is here to stay and is OPEN to everyone. Google has a much better business model than Apple does. Try a Droid Incredible and you will see that the "polished OS" is just as polished as iphones and exceeds it in many ways. Android provides, FLAVORS for people to choose from and APPLE is closed as an OS to only themselves. Isn't a company suppose to cater to the CONSUMER, not the other way around. Apple is arrogant and selfish and GOOGLE is not. Google's mind frame is to cater to the customer, PERIOD, whether is for advertising on Google or just giving the customer a free software upgrade to give their phone more functionality. A little guy can actually advertise on Google directly compete with the big boys. Google has figured out a way to make customers happy and make a lot of money doing it.

Don't you think that if Apple opened there OS to other Manufacturers, that they would make HUGE profits. Pretty much, it's always about the money whether it's Gooogle or Apple but Apple is fighting themselves, their own pride and their simple minded views. I would rather have a FRIDAY's franchise than 5 exclusive restaurants, WHY, cause I WOULD MAKE MORE MONEY!!! THATS WHY!! PLUS, I would please HUGE amounts of customer's along with that.

[Vimah]

I used to be an enthusiastic Mac user, but now Apple just grosses me out.
It's the control issues. Censoring apps for content by some vague "family values" sort of thing... I want to be my own censor. They could put in parental controls if they wanted, but leave me alone to do what I want.
I don't like how they didn't accept cash to buy iPads. They changed this, but I can't believe they were doing it in the first place. They wanted to keep track of who bought them. I don't like this big-brother stuff.
Also, I have an iPhone because I wanted to play games on it, but I can't download free games without an account, and they require my credit card info. Why do I need to give them credit card info to download free games? They're FREE! They can already see whose phone they are going to, so why more control? I dont' even have a credit card. So I'm supposed to buy an iTunes gift card and use that to register an account to download free games?
I don't get it. I thought this phone would be fun. This isn't fun, it's just icky. I'm really disappointed. Sure I'm "free to eat at another restaurant" or whatever but I'm in a contract with early termination fees and all that other corporate stuff.
I hate Jobs & Co. sticking their fingers in my business. I just wanted to play games and have fun. This is just so not fun. Why can't I just download a free app and play a game?

[drfriday]

Apple wants to control everything, and once people figure that out, Apple isn't that cool anymore. DDDRRRROOOOIIIDDDD!!

@Jason, you seem very foolish to make the switch, taking on a new contract and abandoning many apps you already purchased*, 2 weeks before the next iPhone is revealed (truly revealed) and the final feature set for iPhone OS 4.0 is revealed.

*apps that use communication will be worthless while away from a wifi hotspot.

[JasonLogan]

nexusforce, on 24 May 2010 - 12:37 PM, said:

I mean just thanks to google voice I have been able to reduce my bill to $25 a month by just paying for data, since Google voice gives me unlimited free texting and visual voicemail accessible not just on my phone but any internet connected device and for voice calling I just use voip.

How in the world are you paying just $25 for data only? Everything I can find on the net and by talking to Verizon tells me that the data only plan is $50 for smartphones. $50 for data only is still extremely high unless you plan to tether as your main source of an internet connection. Right now, we are paying $136 a month out the door for 2 smartphones with all the bells and whistles so only $18 more per phone to gain all native phone and text functionality back.

' date=, on 24 May 2010 - 08:50 PM, said:

@Jason, you seem very foolish to make the switch, taking on a new contract and abandoning many apps you already purchased*, 2 weeks before the next iPhone is revealed (truly revealed) and the final feature set for iPhone OS 4.0 is revealed.

*apps that use communication will be worthless while away from a wifi hotspot.

I wouldn't say foolish as much as rightfully tired of AT&T and Apples BS. Yes, I am personally waiting till OS 4 before I jump ship but it is taking every last bit of willpower in my body to stop from just switching now even with early term fees.

This post has been edited by JasonLogan: 24 May 2010 - 09:11 PM

[kineard]

The iPhone is a very cool product and has tremendous potential. Unfortunately the maker (Apple) is putting on a leash on the phone along with its customers. Not for me. If I buy the hardware I want to do what I want to do with it so I have bought a Palm Pre. Is it perfect? No. But I can use my Pre as a wifi hot spot for free using my tether. It is by far the happiest I have ever been with a phone.

[finaler]

PCWorld, on 24 May 2010 - 10:44 AM, said:

Post your comments for Why I Switched from iPhone to Android here

HTC Incredible is an amazing phone. Google gives you freedom to do anything and that's more for your money instead of them being like parents that you pay to say what you can and cannot do. I believe it wont be too long before we start to see some good native games for android, got some nice stuff already but nothing too good that isn't some type of port yet sadly but as it grows it will come out. I've disliked every phone I've ever touched or seen before I got my Incredible but I really like this phone.