Apple needs a "Competitive Update" to iOS4

[barkomatic]

Big whoop. Google knows they need to slow the process down. Fragmentation, anyone?

I remember an article awhile back about Google slowing the update cycle to once per year (similar to Apple) after Android 3.0 is released. Just sayin'.

Of course they will slow it down--once iOS4 is a small minority compared to Android. Everyone knows where the future is now and Google didn't want to be beholden to Apple for ad revenue. Fragmentation isn't as big of a problem is geeks and tech writers make it out to be. The average consumer could care less they are running a different version of Android.

Grab your popcorn, the fight is just now getting interesting.

 

[Small White Car]

Because by 2011 it will be too late. Google is rolling out new features now, and faster than Apple has so far. I hope that changes.

Yeah, and that's turning into a big problem for them. Phones take time to develop. There are constantly Android phones coming out with "old" software on them that can't be updated to the new version because they didn't know about the new version when they designed the phone. Almost every Android phone you see has a different version of Android these days. It's a real nightmare for the handset makers whose phones are "outdated" the instant they go on sale.

 

[ChazUK]

Big whoop. Google knows they need to slow the process down. Fragmentation, anyone?

I remember an article awhile back about Google slowing the update cycle to once per year (similar to Apple) after Android 3.0 is released. Just sayin'.

They are also going to make core applications available on Android market to equalise features AFAIK.

The new voice stuff update has been released on Android Market instead of being released with a ROM. Any Android 2.2 capable phone can now use those features, no waiting for a new OS revision for new features.

If this happens, a yearly update cycle won't affect Google as much as it does Apple as they can still improve features in the OS.

From what I know, there is no way of updating the Maps app without a firmware update on the iPhone but the Google Maps app has gone through regular updates and improvements via releases through Android market.

 

[barkomatic]

Yeah, and that's turning into a big problem for them. Phones take time to develop. There are constantly Android phones coming out with "old" software on them that can't be updated to the new version because they didn't know about the new version when they designed the phone. Almost every Android phone you see has a different version of Android these days. It's a real nightmare for the handset makers whose phones are "outdated" the instant they go on sale.

I don't think its a problem for handset makers at all. The Droid X and EVO are selling like hotcakes. The big screen phones are a hit it seems and people love them.

 

[rwilliams]

Big whoop. Google knows they need to slow the process down. Fragmentation, anyone?

I remember an article awhile back about Google slowing the update cycle to once per year (similar to Apple) after Android 3.0 is released. Just sayin'.

Thanks for the earlier compliment, good man.

Google does need to slow down the Android releases. I suppose that Apple has a major advantage in that they control both the hardware and software, so they can test each iOS release on a limited number of devices and ensure that it works well before releasing it. I'm sure that Google would love to push out Android updates from the mothership, but there's way that Google can test each OS release on every Android phone out there, and waiting for each carrier to test it out on their phones leads to a very ragged looking approach to software updates.

 

[Apple...]

Of course they will slow it down--once iOS4 is a small minority compared to Android. Everyone knows where the future is now and Google didn't want to be beholden to Apple for ad revenue. Fragmentation isn't as big of a problem is geeks and tech writers make it out to be. The average consumer could care less they are running a different version of Android.

Grab your popcorn, the fight is just now getting interesting.

Really? http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/22/entelligence-is-android-fragmented-or-is-this-the-new-rate-of-i/

Andy (or someone else) also said that they will indeed be slowing down the OS cycle, not because of Apple and iOS, but to allow phone manufacturers to catch up and slow fragmentation. Apple has a good strategy. Does Google? More or less.

Hmm... less.

 

[GimmeSlack12]

I don't think Apple and Google need to copy each other feature for feature. But if Flash is now available on Android 2.2, and users can customize their phones--what's Apple's answer to that? Perhaps *different* and exciting features--but something needs to be released.

You haven't been in the Apple game for very long have you? You should then learn that Apple marches to the beat of their own drum and theirs alone.

Discuss what you *want* all day long, but Apple will do what Apple wants to do.

 

[Apple...]

Thanks for the earlier compliment, good man.

Google does need to slow down the Android releases. I suppose that Apple has a major advantage in that they control both the hardware and software, so they can test each iOS release on a limited number of devices and ensure that it works well before releasing it. I'm sure that Google would love to push out Android updates from the mothership, but there's way that Google can test each OS release on every Android phone out there, and waiting for each carrier to test it out on their phones leads to a very ragged looking approach to software updates.

Another very good comment. Thanks!

I don't think its a problem for handset makers at all. The Droid X and EVO are selling like hotcakes. The big screen phones are a hit it seems and people love them.

All I can say is "ugh."

 

[Apple...]

You haven't been in the Apple game for very long have you? You should then learn that Apple marches to the beat of their own drum and theirs alone.

Discuss what you *want* all day long, but Apple will do what Apple wants to do.

+ 1. End thread discussion.

 

[barkomatic]

You haven't been in the Apple game for very long have you? You should then learn that Apple marches to the beat of their own drum and theirs alone.

Discuss what you *want* all day long, but Apple will do what Apple wants to do.

Wrong-O. I have had a macbook pro for 5 years, an iPad and an iPhone 4. Clearly, I like Apple products and am very aware that they are quite routinized and insular. Up until now, that's worked out just fine because no one else had a competing smartphone. Things have changed, and its clear that Apple does not want to be a niche player like they were after the PC wars. I'm just asking if they need to change their strategy.

 

[barkomatic]

Another very good comment. Thanks!


All I can say is "ugh."

And all Google can say is "money".

 

[Pressure]

Then there is the fact that Apple has been restricted to 1 of 4 major networks which has slowed the roll out of features to their OS.

This may come as a shock but the majority of iOS devices are not sold in the US.

 

[Apple...]

Wrong-O. I have had a macbook pro for 5 years, an iPad and an iPhone 4. Clearly, I like Apple products and am very aware that they are quite routinized and insular. Up until now, that's worked out just fine because no one else had a competing smartphone. Things have changed, and its clear that Apple does not want to be a niche player like they were after the PC wars. I'm just asking if they need to change their strategy.

I don't think so.

And all Google can say is "money".

Whoa, whoa! Hold on a moment? What happened to "Don't be evil?"

 

[Apple...]

This may come as a shock but the majority of iOS devices are not sold in the US.

Another good point to go by.

 

[barkomatic]

I don't think so.

Don't believe me? Why dont you check out my posting history over the years I've been a member here.

Whoa, whoa! Hold on a moment? What happened to "Don't be evil?"

Pfft! Apple and Google are both evil and want to destroy each other. In the meantime, I hope that means we'll get some cool stuff.

 

[Apple...]

Don't believe me? Why dont you check out my posting history over the years I've been a member here.




Pfft! Apple and Google are both evil and want to destroy each other. In the meantime, I hope that means we'll get some cool stuff.

Haha! I love how this post played out! Sorry about that. I said "I don't think so" in reply to your "do they need to change their strategy?" I wasn't questioning your Apple-product/ member experience. The "Don't be evil" quote is Google's unofficial motto. I agree - I hope we'll get some cool new stuff as well.

 

[GimmeSlack12]

Wrong-O. I have had a macbook pro for 5 years, an iPad and an iPhone 4.

No I think you just proved my point. You haven't been in the Apple game for very long. Ultimately I'm just saying that Apple beats to their own drum, and your 5 years of watching Apple isn't enough to really really get this. Everyone else is playing catch up to Apple in Mobile phones and online music stores. So why would Apple stoop down to the lesser competitors tactics? That's a step backwards.

Don't get confused, Apple is still the leader.

 

[jonhcox]

Ah, the weekly "Why Android will dominate the world" thread.

Yes, Android is a very competitive OS and is doing better. BUT, with Verizon offering multiple handsets powered by Google as well as buy one, get one free, and given Verizon's subscriber numbers, how can Google lose? All of that said, Android still lacks the polish of iOS. When you are tied to a contract and cannot afford to jump ship, you pay 100- 150 bucks and get a new phone. More and more people are buying smart phones and Google has positioned themselves well to get a large majority of them. However, if- and who knows if it will happen- Apple decides to sell to other carriers you will see Google's currently large numbers slow quite a bit.

I had an EVO. I thought that the phone was nice but that 2.1 lacked polish that I enjoyed in a jailbroken iOS environment. Do I think Apple should update the OS to compete with some of the more innovative features that Android has? Of course. It's what competition is all about. In the end, I just prefer iOS.

This is all just my personal opinion but I have no doubt that Android users will flame me.

 

[Apple...]

Ah, the weekly "Why Android will dominate the world" thread.

Yes, Android is a very competitive OS and is doing better. BUT, with Verizon offering multiple handsets powered by Google as well as buy one, get one free, and given Verizon's subscriber numbers, how can Google lose? All of that said, Android still lacks the polish of iOS. When you are tied to a contract and cannot afford to jump ship, you pay 100- 150 bucks and get a new phone. More and more people are buying smart phones and Google has positioned themselves well to get a large majority of them. However, if- and who knows if it will happen- Apple decides to sell to other carriers you will see Google's currently large numbers slow quite a bit.

I had an EVO. I thought that the phone was nice but that 2.1 lacked polish that I enjoyed in a jailbroken iOS environment. Do I think Apple should update the OS to compete with some of the more innovative features that Android has? Of course. It's what competition is all about. In the end, I just prefer iOS.

This is all just my personal opinion but I have no doubt that Android users will flame me.

I'm sorry... I left my torch in my hotel room on my trip to Alaska. No flaming tonight!

Love the first line of your post. No really. It makes me laugh.

 

[Krandor]

What is iOS 4 missing? Home screen customization, widgets, flash(yes, I know its not every going to happen on iOS) better voice recognition to name a few.

Since iOS4 has been released, Android has released new features twice already--with Gingerbread slated for release well before the next annual iOS release in the summer with the new iPhone--that makes at least 3 major updates in the time it takes Apple to release one. I'm not counting bug fixes as updates.

I

Ah, but the downside is that you cannot get those new features until your phone manufacteror makes it available and a lot of the phone makers are only doing 1 upgrade per phone. So Google may put out 3 updates in a year but if your phone only gets 1 and is then done for updates are really better off?

 

[Corndog5595]

Of course they will slow it down--once iOS4 is a small minority compared to Android. Everyone knows where the future is now and Google didn't want to be beholden to Apple for ad revenue. Fragmentation isn't as big of a problem is geeks and tech writers make it out to be. The average consumer could care less they are running a different version of Android.

Grab your popcorn, the fight is just now getting interesting.

“Google regularly releases major updates and adds new features to their OS, unlike Apple’s once a year strategy.”
“Fragmentation isn’t a huge problem... End users don’t care or even know what version they are running.”


You are a snake eating its own tail.

 

[Apple...]

“Google regularly releases major updates and adds new features to their OS, unlike Apple’s once a year strategy.”
“Fragmentation isn’t a huge problem... End users don’t care or even know what version they are running.”


You are a snake eating its own tail.

I hate to be mean, but... ROFL!!!

 

[barkomatic]

“Google regularly releases major updates and adds new features to their OS, unlike Apple’s once a year strategy.”
“Fragmentation isn’t a huge problem... End users don’t care or even know what version they are running.”


You are a snake eating its own tail.

I don't see those statements as contradictory.

and I am not a snake, I am a colorful catepillar who will transform into a beautiful butterfly and bless you with my perspective on smartphone operating systems--if you will only listen.

I have tried to eat my own tail for some time now and just can't reach it. Very frustrating. So, I can't be a snake. No.

 

[admanimal]

Because by 2011 it will be too late. Google is rolling out new features now, and faster than Apple has so far. I hope that changes.

Right, because cramming as many new features into a product as possible is always the best way to make using it a great experience.

 

[barkomatic]

Right, because cramming as many new features into a product as possible is always the best way to make using it a great experience.

Android doesn't seem "crammed" to me at all. Also, people said that about copy and paste before it was added to the iPhone OS/iOS and then suddenly everyone here loved it. I remember, I read those threads you know.