I've seen lots of talk on this forum as to why iOS or the iPhone need an upgrade, but the fact remains that both are beginning to get boring and old. The hardware is almost 2 yrs old and iOS hasn't had a facelift since it was first introduced in 2007. Yes, I know its functionality has improved and the app store has been revolutionary but the OS acts and functions today almost exactly as it did 5 years ago (minus a few bells and whistles).
In terms of hardware, I'm not saying we need a 5" screen or any crazy enhancements that would deter some people. But a 4" screen and maybe a more comfortable curved back would be nice. Also I'd love a soft touch back (similar to the HTC One X) b/c it looks sexy, won't slip from your hand, and is much more comfortable to hold. Bump up the camera a bit, add an LED notification light (for the love of g-d, please!), and make the screen as close to edge-to-edge as possible and I think you have a real winner.
As for iOS, it's really beginning to feel long in the tooth. The app ecosystem is far and away the best of any operating system (which is why I always come back to my iPhone when I try to switch to another device) but the actual OS really feels old and almost obsolete at this point. Don't judge the OS based on the 3rd party apps you're running and their functionality, base it on what you can do and how you can customize your device right out of the box.
After my experience with Android, the fluidity and smoothness of the iOS UI in unparalleded but that doesn't mean it can't use some major improvements. Off the top of my head, these are what come to mind:
I'm sure you guys can think of a boatload of other ways to improve the OS but, again, these are off the top of my head. If a company only releases one phone a year, I'm of the belief that it should be a new design every year. Apple is getting into the habit of making it once every two years which I understand is the same length of carrier contracts (which, in my opinion, is why they do that). But the iOS updates have been incremental at best and at this point in time, it's in need of a MAJOR overhaul.
In terms of hardware, I'm not saying we need a 5" screen or any crazy enhancements that would deter some people. But a 4" screen and maybe a more comfortable curved back would be nice. Also I'd love a soft touch back (similar to the HTC One X) b/c it looks sexy, won't slip from your hand, and is much more comfortable to hold. Bump up the camera a bit, add an LED notification light (for the love of g-d, please!), and make the screen as close to edge-to-edge as possible and I think you have a real winner.
As for iOS, it's really beginning to feel long in the tooth. The app ecosystem is far and away the best of any operating system (which is why I always come back to my iPhone when I try to switch to another device) but the actual OS really feels old and almost obsolete at this point. Don't judge the OS based on the 3rd party apps you're running and their functionality, base it on what you can do and how you can customize your device right out of the box.
After my experience with Android, the fluidity and smoothness of the iOS UI in unparalleded but that doesn't mean it can't use some major improvements. Off the top of my head, these are what come to mind:
- Widgets
- Allow users to move icons anywhere they want (instead of snapping to grid)
- Allow apps to truly multitask (ex: if I'm download a podcast using Downcast, allow it to finish before closing the app!)
- Allow apps (and widgets) to access system settings (ex: I should be able to tap a button on a widget to turn off my GPS quickly)
- Allow users to add info to their lockscreen (ex: allow me to have my lock screen show the next few items on my calendar but just turning the screen on)
- Give users the ability to interact with popup messages (ex: respond to text or iMessage directly from the popup without having to go to the app first)
- Allow apps to interact with other apps (ex: if I want to send a photo using Whatsapp, I should be able to initiate it from the Photo Gallery instead of doing it from the Whatsapp app itself)
- Consolidate the address book so it gets info from social networks and multiple sources (ex: if I have a contact in my address book and I'm also friends with them on facebook, their info from facebook should be in their contact card if I choose to allow it)
- 3G facetime (no explanation necessary)
- Google Voice integration (doubt it happens but would be nice)
- Built in voice navigation
- An overall updated design
I'm sure you guys can think of a boatload of other ways to improve the OS but, again, these are off the top of my head. If a company only releases one phone a year, I'm of the belief that it should be a new design every year. Apple is getting into the habit of making it once every two years which I understand is the same length of carrier contracts (which, in my opinion, is why they do that). But the iOS updates have been incremental at best and at this point in time, it's in need of a MAJOR overhaul.
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