Ingrained in Googles Ecosystem...

[macher]

I do the same. My main phone is an iPhone 6, but I have a oneplus one that I swap the sim into every so often. Both are setup with my email accounts, so no problem.

Yea I'm almost ready to buy a Pixel from someone pretty cheap just found out couple hours ago and want to be able to use both without any hitches. Would like my email, contacts, photos, calendar(reminders), notes etc cross platformed. I'm thinking Google is the best route. The browser I'm still investigating.

 

[cbreze]

Yea I'm almost ready to buy a Pixel from someone pretty cheap just found out couple hours ago and want to be able to use both without any hitches. Would like my email, contacts, photos, calendar(reminders), notes etc cross platformed. I'm thinking Google is the best route. The browser I'm still investigating.

Be aware of the issues people are having with the pixel. If you can check it out before buying if from an acquaintance perhaps. I would not buy one off a website. Google pixel issues if you haven't already.

 

[Bart Kela]

I guess the most important content is contacts and photos which can be easily moved to another platform.

Moving contacts to a different platform is indeed fairly easy. Over the years I have used Yahoo, Google, and now iCloud as my central cloud repository for contacts.

Moving photos is not easy if you have carefully curated, tagged, and organized your photos (e.g., creating albums or collections). Much/most of the metadata will be left behind when you switch platforms. This could potentially create hours and hours of additional work if you had geotagged photos taken with a camera that did not provide that data.

 

[macher]

Moving contacts to a different platform is indeed fairly easy. Over the years I have used Yahoo, Google, and now iCloud as my central cloud repository for contacts.

Moving photos is not easy if you have carefully curated, tagged, and organized your photos (e.g., creating albums or collections). Much/most of the metadata will be left behind when you switch platforms. This could potentially create hours and hours of additional work if you had geotagged photos taken with a camera that did not provide that data.

If I get the Pixel I'll want to switch back and forth after a while. I guess when I'm ready to switch I'll have to call AT&T since most likely the iPhone 7 and Pixel are different sims.

What I'm wanting if I do this is to have all my stuff already there. For instance I just switched my contacts to Google. I set it up on my iPhone Google contacts. When I switch to the Pixel I don't want to have to do anything, the same contacts will be there.

Taking a look at Google Photos to see if it will work the same way. What I like and it's probably nothing special is when I'm in gmail on my Mac or in Chrome looks like I can access photos easily vs having to login to iCloud which I hardly ever use. Sort of a universal means. Not sure how this will work LOL but I am looking for more universality between iOS and Android and to my Mac and iPad. Also access on a computer if needed not when I'm home.

Even if I were to stay with iCloud I don't like the UI on a desk top especially the difference between mail. I sort of like mobile Google Calendars UI better than iOS, just started playing with it.

 

[macher]

Be aware of the issues people are having with the pixel. If you can check it out before buying if from an acquaintance perhaps. I would not buy one off a website. Google pixel issues if you haven't already.

Thanks I would make sure. But I trust him. He's looking but bye a V20.

 

[AbSoluTc]

Nope. About 1 month ago I got rid of all things Google. Gmail, Drive, Maps and search. I no longer use them and had no issues moving over to Apple's system. I mostly used Gmail and drive so the switch was easy. Just updated anything that used my gmail to me me address. Deleted the apps and done. I use Duck Duck Go as my search as well.

I also deleted my account on Facebook two months back, along with the app and messenger. Only app I use is Instagram.

Call me crazy but I am not a product and I won't be targeted as one. Also not a privacy nut but there is a line and I think a lot of these "free" services are crossing it and possibly more without our knowledge. Tired of the ads and who knows what else they collect.

At least Apple doesn't do that and I already pay for their service. No ads and privacy is a priority to them. Unlike Google and the others.

 

[kenypowa]

To me Google is way more cross platform than Apple because either Google is more popular or more accessible on other hardware. Not that you can't log into iCloud but it's not my default. I do a lot of docs and never used Pages, always use Google.

I'm starting to Google-fy my iPhone. Surprisingly in my opinion most Google apps seem to work better on iOS than native iOS apps. Maybe it's me. Plus in my opinion Google apps are not stale like iOS apps.

I have been using Android since Nexus 1 until a few months ago when I switch to iPhone 7 + (although still keeping the Nexus 6 for entertainment). Google apps work great on both iOS and Android, and in some cases new Google features appear first in iOS).

Here are the Google Apps on my phone: Google, YouTube, Chrome, Maps, Photos, Earth, Inbox, Translate, Drive ,Books, Play Movies & TV, Music, Streetview, Cardboard, News, Newsstand, Keep, Gboard, Hangout, Google Home, Sheets, Snapseed, Calendar, Authenticator, Trips, Adwords, Arts & Culture, Cardboard Camera.

Needless to say the only iOS app I use is the Camera app, Health, and Safari (not by choice).

Google is a software company and for techie like me, their crossform appeal is second to none. I could buy a new iPhone or Android and my Google apps will make sure the experience is university on both platform.

edit: one more thing. Google Photos is amazing. Seriously. I can lose my phone ant not one photo will be missing.

 

[CTHarrryH]

Just because you use Apple's stuff doesn't mean you can't/shouldn't run some Google apps - there are things that they are better on like maps in some locations. You should use the best apps in the environment that fits your needs. I run Apple equipment but use a bunch of Google apps, I do what works best for me

 

[macher]

I have been using Android since Nexus 1 until a few months ago when I switch to iPhone 7 + (although still keeping the Nexus 6 for entertainment). Google apps work great on both iOS and Android, and in some cases new Google features appear first in iOS).

Here are the Google Apps on my phone: Google, YouTube, Chrome, Maps, Photos, Earth, Inbox, Translate, Drive ,Books, Play Movies & TV, Music, Streetview, Cardboard, News, Newsstand, Keep, Gboard, Hangout, Google Home, Sheets, Snapseed, Calendar, Authenticator, Trips, Adwords, Arts & Culture, Cardboard Camera.

Needless to say the only iOS app I use is the Camera app, Health, and Safari (not by choice).

Google is a software company and for techie like me, their crossform appeal is second to none. I could buy a new iPhone or Android and my Google apps will make sure the experience is university on both platform.

edit: one more thing. Google Photos is amazing. Seriously. I can lose my phone ant not one photo will be missing.

Wow! That's what I'm looking for crossform. I download Google Photos uploaded my photos and I like it better!

 

[ATC]

Does anyone delete the stock maps app and use Google maps? Just wondering if it's still as intuitive with ios as the stock app.

Deleting Apple maps doesn't actually delete the app, it just hides it. To answer your question though, no, Apple doesn't allow third-party map apps to become the default per se.

What I mean is; when you click on an address in an email or messages instead of opening the address in Google Maps it asks you to Restore "Maps", to essentially un-hide it.

The only workaround is to copy-paste the address into google maps, which works most of the time except for when it occasionally pastes more or less info than needed.

For me, as I only use the one Google service (maps), if Apple allowed it to be the default and be able to use it in CarPlay I'd be really happy. As it stands I'm actually considering switching to android for this, as where I live Google Maps destroys Apple maps in map data, timely updates, traffic and usability.

 

[pixel_junkie]

Anyone else ingrained in Google's ecosystem but not a fan of android?

I personally don't use Apple's ecosystem but I prefer iOS and the iPhones hardware.

For me Google's ecosystem is more universal and easier to access. I never ever go on Safari on my Mac and / or when I use a computer anywhere else. I usually use Chrome if I can. All my bookmarks are in Chrome. I prefer Google Maps. I also never use Pages but use Google Drive a lot.

Really the only thing I find useful is iCloud for backing up photos.

(Since I'm ingrained with Google the Pixel looks very promising but held off since it's 'first generation'. I feel the Pixel will be on par maybe the next generation or two). I like the seamless way Google works on the Pixel since I am ingrained with Google more than Apple.

What I like about the iPhone is Apple Care. I have a handful of Apple Store near me and like the fact that if something happens to my iPhone I can get it taken care of faster with a Genius Bar appointment.

Anyone else?

I'd give the Pixel a shot, I think you'd be impressed.

You're right, Apple Store and Genius Bar appointment is pretty good but Google's solution isn't that bad either which is a dedicated phone line/chat built right into the phone (there's an entire support section in the OS). No travel, no wait, dedicated Pixel support. The phone is phenomenal. Had a 7, 6S and a 6 before that.

 

[MacManTexas56]

Anyone else ingrained in Google's ecosystem but not a fan of android?

I personally don't use Apple's ecosystem but I prefer iOS and the iPhones hardware.

For me Google's ecosystem is more universal and easier to access. I never ever go on Safari on my Mac and / or when I use a computer anywhere else. I usually use Chrome if I can. All my bookmarks are in Chrome. I prefer Google Maps. I also never use Pages but use Google Drive a lot.

Really the only thing I find useful is iCloud for backing up photos.

(Since I'm ingrained with Google the Pixel looks very promising but held off since it's 'first generation'. I feel the Pixel will be on par maybe the next generation or two). I like the seamless way Google works on the Pixel since I am ingrained with Google more than Apple.

What I like about the iPhone is Apple Care. I have a handful of Apple Store near me and like the fact that if something happens to my iPhone I can get it taken care of faster with a Genius Bar appointment.

Anyone else?

nothing wrong with having a mix. I've had apple hardware since the iBook days and have had tons of different machines. I've tried android and really didn't like it at all. Wasn't for me. I have been a gmail user since beta invite days, but switched to apple bc of no ads etc. back in mobile me days when you had to pay for a subscription. I just recently switched back to using gmail full time and am very happy with the decision. Google has far too much great technology for someone to not want to use it. We have 4 chromecasts and 3 google homes in our house now and are planning to get rid of apple music in favor of GPM.

Again, we are mixed on usage...we used to be all in on apple, but i've grown tired of waiting or having to play by their rules on everything. We use dropbox for photos (bc apple doesn't have a good way for 2 users to share an account) gmail for contacts/emails/calendar, iCloud for backup and safari bookmarks bc it works so well. We also use google photos as a backup because it's free...but we don't organize the pics in anyway like we do with dropbox.

With that said, i do not like android phones or android tablets and most of my friends and family use iPhones and iPads so iMessage is a big factor for me as well. I don't mind using google ecosystem on iOS whatsoever and if you look at my home screen i use more google products than i do apple products nowadays. But I'm just really a big fan of iOS vs. android.

 

[ultravisitor]

The 6s Plus is my first iPhone after having been with Android since 2009 (BlackBerry prior to that). Because of that history with Android, I'm involved deeply with Google even to the point that I don't even use iTunes. I don't even have it on my iPhone. To me, Google's services--with the exception of iMessage--are far superior to Apple's. As a result, I use almost everything Google on my iPhone. I do use both Safari and Chrome on my iPhone and my Macbook Air, but for the most part I'd be much happier if I could set Google's apps as defaults on my iPhone.

One thing that I appreciate about Google's services is that they're easy for me to access and use no matter what platform I'm using, as I have a Windows desktop, a Windows laptop for work, and a personal Macbook Air. I don't understand when people talk about how they just love that with Apple they can start an email or document on their iPhone and then finish it on their Mac or take a picture with their iPhone and it is on their iPad and Mac, as well. Apple has no edge there. The same thing happens when you use Google Photos or Google Docs or Gmail.

The Pixel, to me, is also very appealing. I like that I'm not too deeply involved with Apple, as it will be easier for me to switch to the next Pixel, which I will seriously consider once it's released.

 

[macher]

The 6s Plus is my first iPhone after having been with Android since 2009 (BlackBerry prior to that). Because of that history with Android, I'm involved deeply with Google even to the point that I don't even use iTunes. I don't even have it on my iPhone. To me, Google's services--with the exception of iMessage--are far superior to Apple's. As a result, I use almost everything Google on my iPhone. I do use both Safari and Chrome on my iPhone and my Macbook Air, but for the most part I'd be much happier if I could set Google's apps as defaults on my iPhone.

One thing that I appreciate about Google's services is that they're easy for me to access and use no matter what platform I'm using, as I have a Windows desktop, a Windows laptop for work, and a personal Macbook Air. I don't understand when people talk about how they just love that with Apple they can start an email or document on their iPhone and then finish it on their Mac or take a picture with their iPhone and it is on their iPad and Mac, as well. Apple has no edge there. The same thing happens when you use Google Photos or Google Docs or Gmail.

The Pixel, to me, is also very appealing. I like that I'm not too deeply involved with Apple, as it will be easier for me to switch to the next Pixel, which I will seriously consider once it's released.

For it's not really about being easy to switch to Android but being more easily accessible on different hardware. Yes if I get a Pixel in addition to my iPhone I can have all my stuff on both devices.

 

[macher]

The Pixel, to me, is also very appealing. I like that I'm not too deeply involved with Apple, as it will be easier for me to switch to the next Pixel, which I will seriously consider once it's released.

What I find useful with the Pixel after playing with it is true multi-tasking. Meaning doing 2 apps at the same time on a split screen. But I still like iOS better. You would think that Google apps would run better on an Android. But I'm finding that Google apps run very well on an iPhone maybe a little better on some. The Pixel is definitely a nice device with the software. But other than the multi-tasking which I LIKE it sort of seems like the iPhones counterpart so far. Not a bad thing. I guess it's a matter of preference. I guess if the Pixel can stay buttery smooth like the iPhone then again a matter of preference. But I prefer the iPhone 7. I'm probably going to give the Pixel back to my co worker because it's close to the same experience. Google is baked in but that's not a deal breaker. Maybe the iPhone 8 will have multi tasking which I would probably use a lot. I think that Apple's hardware is more superior, just my opinion.

 

[macher]

Deleting Apple maps doesn't actually delete the app, it just hides it. To answer your question though, no, Apple doesn't allow third-party map apps to become the default per se.

What I mean is; when you click on an address in an email or messages instead of opening the address in Google Maps it asks you to Restore "Maps", to essentially un-hide it.

The only workaround is to copy-paste the address into google maps, which works most of the time except for when it occasionally pastes more or less info than needed.

For me, as I only use the one Google service (maps), if Apple allowed it to be the default and be able to use it in CarPlay I'd be really happy. As it stands I'm actually considering switching to android for this, as where I live Google Maps destroys Apple maps in map data, timely updates, traffic and usability.

I have to try it but let's say you click on an address in a Google app like inbox or the gmail app? I know when I click on a link in a Google mail app like Inbox it opens up in Chrome.

 

[macher]

Deleting Apple maps doesn't actually delete the app, it just hides it. To answer your question though, no, Apple doesn't allow third-party map apps to become the default per se.

What I mean is; when you click on an address in an email or messages instead of opening the address in Google Maps it asks you to Restore "Maps", to essentially un-hide it.

The only workaround is to copy-paste the address into google maps, which works most of the time except for when it occasionally pastes more or less info than needed.

For me, as I only use the one Google service (maps), if Apple allowed it to be the default and be able to use it in CarPlay I'd be really happy. As it stands I'm actually considering switching to android for this, as where I live Google Maps destroys Apple maps in map data, timely updates, traffic and usability.

I tried clicking on an address in a couple different Google email apps and it only opens in Apple Maps. I prefer Google Maps over Apple myself. No other work around? Not that it's a deal breaker. Apple Maps works ok in my area, I live in Philly.

 

[macher]

I have been using Android since Nexus 1 until a few months ago when I switch to iPhone 7 + (although still keeping the Nexus 6 for entertainment). Google apps work great on both iOS and Android, and in some cases new Google features appear first in iOS).

Here are the Google Apps on my phone: Google, YouTube, Chrome, Maps, Photos, Earth, Inbox, Translate, Drive ,Books, Play Movies & TV, Music, Streetview, Cardboard, News, Newsstand, Keep, Gboard, Hangout, Google Home, Sheets, Snapseed, Calendar, Authenticator, Trips, Adwords, Arts & Culture, Cardboard Camera.

Needless to say the only iOS app I use is the Camera app, Health, and Safari (not by choice).

Google is a software company and for techie like me, their crossform appeal is second to none. I could buy a new iPhone or Android and my Google apps will make sure the experience is university on both platform.

edit: one more thing. Google Photos is amazing. Seriously. I can lose my phone ant not one photo will be missing.

Thanks again. I kind of like Inbox the best. But what I like is a date and time stamp when looking at my inbox. Is there a setting to make this appear?

And yes Google Photos amazing. Puts Apple Photos to shame.

 

[kenypowa]

Thanks again. I kind of like Inbox the best. But what I like is a date and time stamp when looking at my inbox. Is there a setting to make this appear?

And yes Google Photos amazing. Puts Apple Photos to shame.

Not sure you can do that in Inbox, but the Gmail app is getting some of the Inbox features soon so you may want to stick with Gmail. Personally I think Gmail is a very good email app but Inbox suits me better.

One thing about the splitting screen multitasking. It is like 3D touch, meaning you crave it but then in day to day it is rarely used. When Android first roll out split screen multitasking I was thrilled. It turns out even on a 6 inch phone, the feature is not really practical. A phone is not a desktop where you need two screens on at the same time.

 

[macher]

Not sure you can do that in Inbox, but the Gmail app is getting some of the Inbox features soon so you may want to stick with Gmail. Personally I think Gmail is a very good email app but Inbox suits me better.

One thing about the splitting screen multitasking. It is like 3D touch, meaning you crave it but then in day to day it is rarely used. When Android first roll out split screen multitasking I was thrilled. It turns out even on a 6 inch phone, the feature is not really practical. A phone is not a desktop where you need two screens on at the same time.

As I'm playing with Inbox I'm liking it and the time / day stamp doesn't bother me.

Also I'm REALLY liking the I think it's called Google Assistant on Chrome. Works flawlessly.

 

[ATC]

I tried clicking on an address in a couple different Google email apps and it only opens in Apple Maps. I prefer Google Maps over Apple myself. No other work around? Not that it's a deal breaker. Apple Maps works ok in my area, I live in Philly.

I'm afraid there are no other workarounds AFAIK.

 

[macher]

I'm afraid there are no other workarounds AFAIK.

Damn I like Google Maps a lot better.

 

[noobinator]

I guess when I'm ready to switch I'll have to call AT&T since most likely the iPhone 7 and Pixel are different sims.

They are both nano sim.

 

[macher]

I'm afraid there are no other workarounds AFAIK.

Did a test yesterday between Google and Apple Maps. I was driving using Apple Maps and our son was a passenger using Google Maps. Apple Maps took us on a different route. Google Maps was more direct. Weird.

 

[aPple nErd]

Anyone else ingrained in Google's ecosystem but not a fan of android?

I personally don't use Apple's ecosystem but I prefer iOS and the iPhones hardware.

For me Google's ecosystem is more universal and easier to access. I never ever go on Safari on my Mac and / or when I use a computer anywhere else. I usually use Chrome if I can. All my bookmarks are in Chrome. I prefer Google Maps. I also never use Pages but use Google Drive a lot.

Really the only thing I find useful is iCloud for backing up photos.

(Since I'm ingrained with Google the Pixel looks very promising but held off since it's 'first generation'. I feel the Pixel will be on par maybe the next generation or two). I like the seamless way Google works on the Pixel since I am ingrained with Google more than Apple.

What I like about the iPhone is Apple Care. I have a handful of Apple Store near me and like the fact that if something happens to my iPhone I can get it taken care of faster with a Genius Bar appointment.

Anyone else?

I'm on the other side of the fence. I used to love apple, when i got my iPod tough 4g, iPhone 4, iPhone 5 iPad 3, and iMac it was magic. I bought hundreds of dollars of apps and music from iTunes, and life was great. Now, 4-5 years later, I can't stand apple, or their products, but i'm so invested I can't leave. I can't afford to rebuy all my apps, and I'd also lose iMessage, which I can't do. I hate IOS 7-10 and iPhones have been getting worse lately but I just can't leave.