Android is still way superior

[Abazigal]

So it's not better to have the option to do it either way? The way you like to manage files or the way other people like to manage files -- having both of these options at one's disposal isn't better?

We might as well throw the word "better" and its synonyms out of the English language.

It's worse insofar that apple is actively trying to wean people off the concept of needing a hierarchical file system, so including one in iOS is disingenuous at best.

I never really liked the idea of a file / folder system anyways. I actually find it more convenient to have my files partitioned by app. Easier to access them.

 

[Dontazemebro]

It's worse insofar that apple is actively trying to wean people off the concept of needing a hierarchical file system, so including one in iOS is disingenuous at best.

I never really liked the idea of a file / folder system anyways. I actually find it more convenient to have my files partitioned by app. Easier to access them.

This is my whole issue with iOS and why I don't care for it. Just offer the option and then let me decide what's best for me

 

[cynics]

It's worse insofar that apple is actively trying to wean people off the concept of needing a hierarchical file system, so including one in iOS is disingenuous at best.

I never really liked the idea of a file / folder system anyways. I actually find it more convenient to have my files partitioned by app. Easier to access them.

I never had a problem with that until I'd find a better app and there is no open in the new app option. Then all my files are stuck in my old app, and I end up using two apps to do the same task.

Its a messy and confusing way of doing things.

 

[Abazigal]

This is my whole issue with iOS and why I don't care for it. Just offer the option and then let me decide what's best for me

Steve Job envisioned the iphone as a smartphone that was easy to use for the mass consumer. That, amongst many things, meant that they should be able to simply "leave certain decisions to the discretion of the operating system", rather than being bugged with having to make decisions at every turn.

We see this in a variety of decisions made in the OS.

Multitasking, for one (it automatically freezes apps in the background to save power so users don't have to bother about force-closing them, but it also means you can't leave certain tasks running in the background, like exporting a video clip via iMovie).

Then there's flash. Or the inability to sideload 3rd party apps. The list goes on. It will definitely irritate a few people, but the whole idea is that Apple removed one layer of decision-making that uses would have to conscientiously make. Between these 2 alternatives, I daresay Apple chose the lesser of the 2 evils.

In short, the whole allure of IOS is its simplicity, that consumers trust Apple to make these decisions for them so they didn't have to. They spend less time managing their devices, leaving more time to actually use them in a meaningful manner.

The reason why you detest IOS is exactly the reason why others love it. That's why we have Android. And that's why, with so many platforms, consumers are able to go with a device that best suits their needs. And we are all better off for it. 🙂

 

[Dontazemebro]

Steve Job envisioned the iphone as a smartphone that was easy to use for the mass consumer. That, amongst many things, meant that they should be able to simply "leave certain decisions to the discretion of the operating system", rather than being bugged with having to make decisions at every turn.

We see this in a variety of decisions made in the OS.

Multitasking, for one (it automatically freezes apps in the background to save power so users don't have to bother about force-closing them, but it also means you can't leave certain tasks running in the background, like exporting a video clip via iMovie).

Then there's flash. Or the inability to sideload 3rd party apps. The list goes on. It will definitely irritate a few people, but the whole idea is that Apple removed one layer of decision-making that uses would have to conscientiously make. Between these 2 alternatives, I daresay Apple chose the lesser of the 2 evils.

In short, the whole allure of IOS is its simplicity, that consumers trust Apple to make these decisions for them so they didn't have to. They spend less time managing their devices, leaving more time to actually use them in a meaningful manner.

The reason why you detest IOS is exactly the reason why others love it. That's why we have Android. And that's why, with so many platforms, consumers are able to go with a device that best suits their needs. And we are all better off for it. 🙂

Yeah I definitely understand the reasoning behind it but it's almost borderline insulting to me to the point that Apple feels like I'm not savvy enough to maneuver around the OS without holding my hand in the process.

There are certain features I do like on iOS but I feel like they don't cater to me (the hard-core enthusiast). So really my choices are limited and if I didn't care for android, I'd be left out.

I personally think if apple was a little less restrictive, more people would be open to iOS

 

[maxosx]

Apple haters in 3... 2... 1...

Just because they're expressing opinions doesn't mean they hate Apple.

 

[Dmunjal]

The thing is Apple did the right thing in the beginning because touchscreen smartphones were in their infancy and users needed a simple user interface. The problem is that 5 years later, those users have become more sophisticated and want more from their smartphones and Apple hasn't delivered.

 

[sentinelsx]

Steve Job envisioned the iphone as a smartphone that was easy to use for the mass consumer. That, amongst many things, meant that they should be able to simply "leave certain decisions to the discretion of the operating system", rather than being bugged with having to make decisions at every turn.

Jobs may be good, but he wasn't perfect. A smartphone can be quite easy to use even with a file system. Heck iOS has a file system which is just hidden unless you jailbreak and install a file explorer like ifile. The only issue is not allowing any app to access a common file area once allowed by user.

And the user doesn't even have to make any effort here. Say for example i download good reader, i transfer my files to a common "files" location, which is separate from system area and sandboxed to keep security intact. Then when i open good reader i get this:

"Good reader wants access to your files".

Ring a bell? This is how many picture and contact apps do nowadays. Apple has already done this on a smaller level. All pictures are there in the device, but apps can access it if user allows.

And the app can organize it in its visual UI without tampering with the location of the actual file too, like many media/communication apps do currently.

So the smartphone is still simple, but all of a sudden you make it much more powerful and less of a headache. I would say even more simple.

Problem is people think Jobs' way of describing something IS the only solution because obviously he can always think of better solutions than the rest. Reality is any normal person could come up with a better solution than him too. His is not the only solution that works. This whole subconscious worshiping clouds the mind.

 

[Cookie Ninja]

"My OS is better than yours" Do people not get bored of this childish crap?

 

[cynics]

Steve Job envisioned the iphone as a smartphone that was easy to use for the mass consumer. That, amongst many things, meant that they should be able to simply "leave certain decisions to the discretion of the operating system", rather than being bugged with having to make decisions at every turn.

We see this in a variety of decisions made in the OS.

Multitasking, for one (it automatically freezes apps in the background to save power so users don't have to bother about force-closing them, but it also means you can't leave certain tasks running in the background, like exporting a video clip via iMovie).

Then there's flash. Or the inability to sideload 3rd party apps. The list goes on. It will definitely irritate a few people, but the whole idea is that Apple removed one layer of decision-making that uses would have to conscientiously make. Between these 2 alternatives, I daresay Apple chose the lesser of the 2 evils.

In short, the whole allure of IOS is its simplicity, that consumers trust Apple to make these decisions for them so they didn't have to. They spend less time managing their devices, leaving more time to actually use them in a meaningful manner.

The reason why you detest IOS is exactly the reason why others love it. That's why we have Android. And that's why, with so many platforms, consumers are able to go with a device that best suits their needs. And we are all better off for it. 🙂

The lack of file system is what makes iOS confusing and difficult to use.

People know how to attach a PDF to an email on there computers. Just hit the attach button and pick your file. People have been doing that for over a decade.

Attach a PDF to an email in iOS and your in for a treat. First you start with another app and the PDF so you're already working backwards to begin with. Then you compose the email, since you had to share the PDF from another app you don't have the ability to attach another.

Nothing about that is user friendly.

 

[Elit3]

I was not impressed. I wanted to be, but just wasn't.

I like how Tim Cook, or whoever, says most Android users are on Android from 2010. That's because most don't use Nexus and don't get updates right away from their carriers. He's right, but it's very misleading. Compare iPhone to the Nexus line and the percentage will be much different. Course Nexus will have a smaller market share compared to the iPhone no doubt.

Besides that, it's just more catch up. Animated weather? Been done.

Removed 8 tab limit on Safari? I have at least 10 tabs open right now on my Nexus 7.

There's more, but I'm not go into all.

Enough of how sexy iOS is. Looks aren't everything.

I'm sure the iOS 7 is a fine OS, but it's playing catch up to Android. Plain and simple. I'm not gonna turn the blind eye when Apple has lost it's edge with iOS. Last year I was iFanBoy, but saw Android and gave it chance. Been using Android for almost a year now and it works great for me. No lag, always getting updates since I'm using Nexus, great features, and it's awesome plastic body! 😉

Agreed....hang on, one sec, I gotten apply this theme to make android look like a godess, sorry you Apple guys don't know what a theme is. (I know you would OP and person I am replying to).

----------

I thought that, from what I saw, iOS7 looks really good with some excellent functionality. Upcoming hardware is, of course, the other side of the equation but if I had purchased an iPhone 5 I would be pretty excited.

1500 mAH battery, crap, iPH5S, probably minor upgrade, 1000$ no thanks, Quad-core, been there done that, I'll wait for you iOSBoy, wait sorry, gotta run, I might be able to have 12 cores in my phone next year 😉 And you still, will only have 4. WAY behind, and really crap. Point invalid. Functionality that android ALREADY HAS, and has had for years, this is was OP is saying, they are behind!!!

----------

Frankly, speaking, nothing Apple would have done would have impressed most of you here - just as nothing Android has would impress some of the more rabid iFans. How about waiting until we know more about actual features and some folks have used it before trashing it? 😉

Well apperently, all the android features (I mean all of the features in iOS 7), impressed you (I was an iOS Fanboy, and sucked Apple's marketing lemon, like you), until I realised (youtube helped), that all "new features" for iOS had been on android for quite some time. That notif center from lockscreen, android, the UI VERY android, the parallax, from a very famous android app, the quick settings thing with flashlight, VERY ANDROID, similar layout aswell, more than 8 tabs, android, EVERYTHING at that iOS 7 part of WWDC is ALREADY in android, and many of them OLD features, that are handy yes, but we have been using them for a year or 2. That is what the OP is saying, Apple are behind.

----------

the thing is apple did the right thing in the beginning because touchscreen smartphones were in their infancy and users needed a simple user interface. The problem is that 5 years later, those users have become more sophisticated and want more from their smartphones and apple hasn't delivered.

yes! Yes and yes!!! Right on the point!!!!!

 

[TheMTtakeover]

I was not impressed. I wanted to be, but just wasn't.

I like how Tim Cook, or whoever, says most Android users are on Android from 2010. That's because most don't use Nexus and don't get updates right away from their carriers. He's right, but it's very misleading. Compare iPhone to the Nexus line and the percentage will be much different. Course Nexus will have a smaller market share compared to the iPhone no doubt.

Besides that, it's just more catch up. Animated weather? Been done.

Removed 8 tab limit on Safari? I have at least 10 tabs open right now on my Nexus 7.

There's more, but I'm not go into all.

Enough of how sexy iOS is. Looks aren't everything.

I'm sure the iOS 7 is a fine OS, but it's playing catch up to Android. Plain and simple. I'm not gonna turn the blind eye when Apple has lost it's edge with iOS. Last year I was iFanBoy, but saw Android and gave it chance. Been using Android for almost a year now and it works great for me. No lag, always getting updates since I'm using Nexus, great features, and it's awesome plastic body! 😉

You seriously have 10 tabs open on your Nexus 7?!?!? Dude you are so awesome!

 

[Toltepeceno]

It's hard to believe you own so many Apple products including iPhone and yet hate Apple so much.

Disliking one product is hate for apple? Do you live a sheltered life? I like all apple products except for the iphone, does that mean I hate apple? It's either love everything or nothing?

As far as fragmentation I know there are plenty of phones that cannot be updated, but I am the only person I know that actually updates their phone. I did my wife's and she was fighting it. I don't personally know anyone here that has an iphone. I'm guessing in the countries, like here (3rd world), that have far more android phones people are less likely to update them. I do some work on them (and computers) on the side and I pretty much never seen ones that have been updated even if there are updates. Most people here are not tech savy. Most even have the stock ringtones, they don't know how to change them and it's pretty easy. Not that I mind charging a little to do these things🙂

 

[Sdahe]

Just because they're expressing opinions doesn't mean they hate Apple.

Just because I say something doesn't mean it's a statement... it's a joke 🙄

 

[oldhifi]

Android is still way superior

I have a Android Tablet that I cant sell, if it was a Ipad it would have been gone within a week..

 

[onthecouchagain]

The thing is Apple did the right thing in the beginning because touchscreen smartphones were in their infancy and users needed a simple user interface. The problem is that 5 years later, those users have become more sophisticated and want more from their smartphones and Apple hasn't delivered.

Very excellent point.

Also, I've said this before: Apple offers classes. Classes where people sign up and line up for all the time to take part in to learn how to use their shiny new Apple products. Every time I visit the Apple store, I see crowds crowded around those classes (especially at the bigger and more busy Apple stores).

Apple can teach people to learn whatever new features they want them to learn. Attaching files is not rocket science.

Besides, can't the world's most "innovative" tech company come up with a simple enough file base system for "the world's most advance operating system" that they can teach the masses to use?

You'd think iOS loyalists/apologists would have more faith in their company...

Then again, after a years of development for a better notification system, all they could come up with was a drop down banner that blocks the screen and/or navigation panels...

 

[DesertEagle]

Besides, can't the world's most "innovative" tech company come up with a simple enough file base system for "the world's most advance operating system" that they can teach the masses to use?

You'd think iOS loyalists/apologists would have more faith in their company...

Then again, after a years of development for a better notification system, all they could come up with was a drop down banner that blocks the screen and/or navigation panels...

Oh, they can. I think the idea is to prevent malware from manipulating your app data. The masses don't want to learn how to avoid it themselves as long as Apple can do it for them.

I for one, can do anything I want with iOS as that I can do with Android (and vice versa), although some operations are more cumbersome with one than with the other. Therefore it's basically the hardware that matters to me, such as battery life, screen size, sd-card slots, etc. which makes SGS4 an obvious choice over iP5.

 

[TacticalDesire]

The whole "there's no file system because apple wants to keep things simple" is a joke. Almost everyone that purchases an iDevice has also used some sort of Windows, OSX or linux machine either at work, home both etc. and knows how to use and navigate a file system.

 

[Assault]

The whole "there's no file system because apple wants to keep things simple" is a joke. Almost everyone that purchases an iDevice has also used some sort of Windows, OSX or linux machine either at work, home both etc. and knows how to use and navigate a file system.

It's not to keep things simple, it's to prevent users from customizing or "breaking"/"bricking" their iDevice. The more Apple can control a product, the less likely they will have to repair something some idiot did, because he/she saw it could be done on YouTube.

While I can't stand this hand-holding, big brother approach, I'm sure it saves Apple millions of dollars per year, and I can't fault them for that. But I won't ever buy another iDevice because of that either.

 

[jrswizzle]

So it's not better to have the option to do it either way? The way you like to manage files or the way other people like to manage files -- having both of these options at one's disposal isn't better?

We might as well throw the word "better" and its synonyms out of the English language.

No, not necessarily. But I suppose since only Android can be better, then yes we might as well throw it out.....

There's something to be said for simplicity - one way without the various options to both confuse and cause more trouble.

The above statement is of course an opinion. Personally, I find that so long as Apple's services work there's no reason for various options. Of course, there are other areas in which I feel Apple should open themselves up (display size, price variety) but even there it needs to be done properly.

In my mind, Samsung's way is NOT the right way - how many GS4's are out there? Why is it to get waterproofing we have to accept a slower processor and lower MP camera? People scream of Apple "gimping" phones, yet Samsung's doing it and everyone hails the phone as great.

Be concise and efficient with your phone line. And until such a time as Apple's services don't work I will continue to be fine living withing them.*

*I also understand that uses and experiences vary and I am only speaking of my personal experience.

----------

It's not to keep things simple, it's to prevent users from customizing or "breaking"/"bricking" their iDevice. The more Apple can control a product, the less likely they will have to repair something some idiot did, because he/she saw it could be done on YouTube.

While I can't stand this hand-holding, big brother approach, I'm sure it saves Apple millions of dollars per year, and I can't fault them for that. But I won't ever buy another iDevice because of that either.

This is actually a very mature way to look at it - something I haven't come to expect from Assault....

My biggest thing about the file system is - why is it such a huge deal? As I said in my other post, is it so difficult to open music in the music folder? To open documents in the document folder?

I fully admit there needs to be better email attachment options, and sharing COULD be opened up more. But AirDrop is going to be a great new sharing option (Apple's S-Beam equivalent) and there are tons of new dev APIs to look forward to.

People cry sarcastically that the "world's most innovative company" should be able to come up with a file system that works within their garden - I say, why should the "world's most innovative company" keep doing things the same way we've been doing them for decades? Why keep looking to the past?

I'm not going to pretend to know what any of these companies are thinking or planning. I just know that iOS and the iPhone work for me. There's something about the simplicity that's appealing - so much so I still reach for my iPhone over my HTC One for many things - despite my growing desire for a larger screen (and those awesome boomsound speakers).

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

My biggest thing about the file system is - why is it such a huge deal? As I said in my other post, is it so difficult to open music in the music folder? To open documents in the document folder?

My thing about a file system is that it lets me use a smartphone like a desktop. I have all kinds of differ files from office docs, music, vids, pdfs and etc organized in differ folders. I can go to any folder tap on a specific file and it opens the default app or one that I choose for use. With iOS you need whatever specfic app just to see or search for a file. I might be a little bit old school, but opening an app first to view or edit a document(not media) seems backwards vs just going into a folder.

Also I can use it for storage. I put an image of Windows 7 on my phone to load onto a friends laptop. Didn't need any kind of app, jailbreak, or to change the extension of the file(which is risky) and put in photos. Dropbox would not be convenient in this case. With music I can drag n drop playlists files I already have from my desktop to my smartphone and it works flawless. No syncing needed. I can change any file properties, like make a file hidden so when I do open a specific app, it won't show the file. Can also hide folders with photos so gallery doesn't see them.

Without a file system, I couldn't beam/send/copy ALL files or folders to another device or desktop via Bluetooth, Wifi, or USB. And the same vice versa.

 

[MMOTotal]

"My OS is better than yours" Do people not get bored of this childish crap?

Welcome to the cesspool of Android vs iOS. It really is pathetic to justify your purchase.

 

[jrswizzle]

My thing about a file system is that it lets me use a smartphone like a desktop. I have all kinds of differ files from office docs, music, vids, pdfs and etc organized in differ folders. I can go to any folder tap on a specific file and it opens the default app or one that I choose for use. With iOS you need whatever specfic app just to see or search for a file. I might be a little bit old school, but opening an app first to view or edit a document(not media) seems backwards vs just going into a folder.

Also I can use it for storage. I put an image of Windows 7 on my phone to load onto a friends laptop. Didn't need any kind of app, jailbreak, or to change the extension of the file(which is risky) and put in photos. Dropbox would not be convenient in this case. With music I can drag n drop playlists files I already have from my desktop to my smartphone and it works flawless. No syncing needed. I can change any file properties, like make a file hidden so when I do open a specific app, it won't show the file. Can also hide folders with photos so gallery doesn't see them.

Without a file system, I couldn't beam/send/copy ALL files or folders to another device or desktop via Bluetooth, Wifi, or USB. And the same vice versa.

I guess I'm not old school enough - or I just don't do enough on my smartphone......

Really I just let stuff sync in the background if need be. Photos, music, documents are all managed and synced across all my devices without any input from me.

Sure if I wanted to email a document I would have to go into the document app and "share" via email - which is backwards if you've always done it the other way, but no less convenient implementation-wise. (obviously the multiple attachment thing sucks, but that's not the point here).

I still say it all comes down to what works for you. Apple's ecosystem (the auto syncing across Apple devices) works VERY well for me. I take photos on my iPhone, they appear on my iPad and iMac. I buy a song or album on my iPad, its on iTunes match and I can play it from my iMac, AppleTVs, iPhone - hell even my HTC One.

Granted, if I downloaded songs from some other source or ripped a CD I just bought, I'd have to add in using iTunes to sync. All these other "options" or "choices" don't factor into my decision because they aren't a part of my use case anymore.

Sure I can download apps and set things up to work similarly with an Android phone and Windows desktop and even Roku boxes.....but its not the same. Its not built in/doesn't happen seamlessly. That's why I'm fine giving up the "options" to use a variety of services - because the one I use through iOS and OSX works flawlessly for my use case.

Like I said, my uses simply don't dictate the need for all those options. And of course, I'll get the "well just because you won't use it doesn't mean someone else won't" and that's true....but to them I'd say get an Android. For Apple to open iOS/OS X up as some suggest or want, it would require going against the original philosophy and appeal of the iPhone and ecosystem in the first place. For me, the clutter of so many additional services is actually UNDESIRABLE.

Besides, that's why each platform exists - to offer different experiences. I don't understand why people get upset when they hear "Go get an Android" in response to complaints about Apple. Android does things VERY well and has far fewer trade offs than it once did. In my mind, both are mature OSes and are very good, however different, options for different users.

 

[Jibbajabba]

"My OS is better than yours" Do people not get bored of this childish crap?

Maybe once they grow up.. Doubt it though.

 

[sentinelsx]

I am amazed people still think that iOS doesn't have a file system and that the lack of that file system is why it is so robust lol....

It is based on a file system. Don't believe me? Download iFUnbox and connect your idevice. Or if possible, jailbreak, install iFile, and see that file system in all its glory that apple hides from you. It is not so different from android file system either.

Also, as i gave an example already, it won't hurt anyone if Apple allows all applications to access a common files location, which is user accessible. Make it so the app has to ask user permission to access it. This is done already. Open facebook and see this the first time you something that involved pictures on your device:

"Facebook wants access to your photos. Allow or Deny".

How hard is it to do the same for all of them? This way, you don't have to expose your system level file system to users and apps. I would love it if i could download a PDF off my work site through safari to a documents folder, and goodreader could access it without me having to use that cumbersome and clunky "open in..." dialog.


Same for default apps. Allowing default changes doesn't hurt people who love the provided apps. It just allows the rest of the people to use what they like. The "seamless" experience you want from stock apps is still there, no one is forcing anyone to change their defaults.

This behavior of some iOS fans i really find repulsive: we like what you give us, and we hate it if you open up more choices. The iOS team doesn't even have to change a lot, things i already do on a jailbroken device without altering anything else. Anyone else who handles my iPhone doesn't think it is a different device. It's just that it is more liberating to have a few more options at hand added to the same OS. In fact the OS redesign that everyone is so jumping for is not even what i cared for. I am perfectly fine with their gradients and the "old school" look. But i guess everyone just wanted a new coat of paint only.

I don't get why people are so much against functional options, but are really moved by the new flat UI which doesn't really add much to FUNCTION.