Phil Schiller Goes on Offensive Against Android and Samsung

[Dave.UK]

So I assume non of you ever perform searches on google and see those ads
And you are not even implying that those "clerks" at the cellphone stores that were probably selling shoes the day before can actually help you with your technical difficulties of your smartphone.

So thats like saying Google funds Apple. You still see ads if your use Google Search on ios?

They all have to start somewhere. Whos to say the "Genius" wasn't emptying bins the day before.

 

[PBG4 Dude]

Remember when Apple used to release new products to take the wind out of the competition's sails? Badmouthing the competition is tacky; let your products do the talking. It worked before...

 

[Oletros]

So I assume non of you ever perform searches on google and see those ads

I repeat, how a Google Ad pays an LG phone?

 

[cardinalryan]

This is just comical.

Schiller and his petty BS is just another reason why I am so glad to have switched from iPhone to Android.

The seamless integration thing is such bunk. It may be true that the Apple ecosystem seemlessly integrates, but so does Android.

The Note 2 and the upcoming HTC One are so far superior to anything Apple has ever produced that it leaves me less than shocked that Schiller would dip into his bag of desperation.

 

[apple_iBoy]

I have seen a bunch of iPhone advocates bringing up the "seamless" nature of the iOS and OS X products and their overall superior quality.

While I agree in principle, I think the Apple ecosystem has some serious issues right now. Here are just a couple off the top of my head.

1. I always run into trouble because my Apple ID (which I've had since the .mac days) and my iTunes ID (which I got when the store opened) are different. The biggest issue is that whenever I upgrade to a new iOS device, somehow it always ends up using my Apple ID to try to access iTunes or something. When I try to get into my iTunes Match, it won't let me switch the IDs (says something about having to wait 90 days!?). I literally have to go through iTunes Support and have them give me a special dispensation to switch the accounts. Yes I think iOS did pop up some message about using one account or the other, but it's so ambiguously worded and unclear of its consequences, that I must somehow chose the wrong response.

I've had other issues with having two separate IDs, although I can't remember the details now. But I should be able to merge them! No dice.

2. I never thought I should have to pay for texting on my iPhone, so I've always blocked it and used a Google Voice number instead. With the advent of Messages/IMessage, I thought I could finally communicate more cleanly with my friends who use Apple stuff. But it's so wonky I have almost given up. If someone sends me a message, Apple to Apple, it should simultaneous pop up on my iPad, iPhone, and Macs. But no such luck. Most times it goes to one device. Sometimes it goes to some combination of two. Never does it go to all. I can't make rhyme or reason of it. This is supposed to be so simple and easy, why can't it just work?!

Also, most people know my Gmail address, not my iCloud address. I've tried adding the Gmail to OS X Messages, so that someone could send me messages that way. The application accepts the Gmail address and claims that it will be sending me a confirmation email to finish the setup. Confirmation emails have never arrived, and I gave up on it. I took Messages off my Dock because it's basically useless to me these days.

3. Somehow, between all my devices, I have 4 or 5 duplicate sets of web bookmarks. At least a couple times I went through and deleted the redundant ones, and they came back. That's just stupid.

4. I am still rocking the original iPad. I think it's funny how quickly it became ineligible for iOS updates, but the other part of me says thank God for that. It is so painful to just run iOS 5. Apps shut down All. The. Time. Safari browser hangs and crashes so much that relaunching it is engrained in my muscle memory and I don't even think about it. The fact that I still doggedly use this thing is a testiment to the greatness of the tablet form factor for lots of purposes, but man....if an Android geek ever saw the hurdles I jump through to use this thing, they'd have a field day. I imagine that most of the issue is probably the fact that Apple, in its infinite wisdom, decided 256 MB of RAM were enough for the first model.

5. I had an iPhone go bad on me unexpectedly (it got really hot in my hand and the screen got all rainbow ripple-y and then died, all in about 3 seconds). This happened at about the 1 year 2 month time, so just out of warranty. I went to the Apple Store and ended up paying $180 or something for a refurb replacement. I *KNOW* with certainty that I had set the dead iPhone to automatically back up to iCloud when it was charging and on wifi, and it had done so...for awhile. But when I got the new phone, I discovered that my latest backup was from 2 or 3 months earlier, even though I set my iPhone in a charging dock on my bedside table every night, and assumed it was doing its backups. Somehow, in some iOS point upgrade, that auto backup got turned off (I guarantee I never did it myself). So although I thought I was protected, turned out I lost some stuff (bunch of stupid unimportant photos but also a few videos I had shot that had a lot of sentimental value).

 

[samcraig]

I don't know anyone other than diehard Fandroids saying Android is better.

I agree with most of your post. The comment I clipped though is a little hyperbole. The "better" OS is the one you prefer. Whoever you are and whatever the OS is. It's subjective. Both OSes are great. Both have shortcomings and advantages. "Better" only comes into play for an individual use case.

So I assume non of you ever perform searches on google and see those ads
And you are not even implying that those "clerks" at the cellphone stores that were probably selling shoes the day before can actually help you with your technical difficulties of your smartphone.

The I guess you pay for your iPhone via ads as well. Using your logic.

As for your other comment. I've only been to an Apple store twice - to replace a faulty iPhone 4 because of it's imaging sensor. I didn't need a techie to determine it was faulty. Anyone could see it when they looked at the photos. They replaced my phone.

My wife had an issue with her One X+ - she took it to ATT - they looked at it and determined she needed a replacement.

Do tell me how these experiences differ?

I do think Apple has incredible customer service (most of the time). But that doesn't negate being able to get service for an Android phone as some would like to insinuate with the "where do you go to get help with your X"

Oh - and there are also forums. Like this one. Just like the hundreds of posts asking about issues people have with their iPhone, they exist for every other platform/technology from phones, to DVRs to cars, etc.

Help is out there. It's not like you buy an Android device and are shipped to a desert island.

 

[Nale72]

I suppose if you look at the numbers, he has reason to be...I mean just look at the level of support android gets on a forum specific for apple products..

Well, I'm currently an iPhone user, but have previously owned several Android phones. When users here are spreading BS about Android I feel a need to correct that. Just because I'm now a iPhone user doesn't mean I am obliged to talk bad about Android and spread false information about how bad it is, or have I missed something in the Apple ID user agreement when I created it?

----------

Uh, you can download Google Maps for iOS. It's even better than the Android version.

In what way is Google Maps for iOS better than on Android? It might be prettier, but functionality wise the Android version is better I think. I still miss offline maps, bike mode navigation and ability to measure distance between two or more points in the map, like in the Android version I used a year ago.

 

[apple_iBoy]

As seamless as Apple Maps, Apple Weather app (how about a dynamic icon at least), Apple Podcasts app (what a turd).

Is it really that hard to make a larger iPhone?

How about the Remote app for controlling Keynote (not the one for controlling Apple TV)?

I used to be able to get it to work over Wifi, although it's very flakey nowadays. The app has always indicated that it would function over Bluetooth as well, but that part never worked for me.

Controlling keynote using the iPad would be the most natural thing... but for some reason, Apple has never updated the app to take advantage of the iPad.

 

[KPOM]

True, but I don't think that is Apple's long term strategy or best interest. It puts them back in luxury niche world. I think Apple wants to be a market leader, but on it's terms. At least in the Jobs era the strategy was, yes Apple products are a bit more expensive, but its because its a better thought out, built, and usable product. From there the consumer justified spending more because it was worth it. That worked for a long time from the iPod to the iPad.

But now Android OS is on par, and there are some very nice devices. Not Apple nice, but good enough to make justifying spending an extra $200 tougher. The only way Apple gets back to the "old days" is to change the game again with a new look at iOS -- one that recognizes how people's uses of iDevices has evolved in the past 5 years. Android IS just an iOS copycat, but a good one. Apple needs to undo that with something fresh that makes Android look stale.

To use a car analogy, Apple doesn't want to be a Ferrari, but they are fine with being a BMW or Mercedes rather than a VW or GM (which is what Samsung is more comparable to). BMW and Mercedes are volume producers, but they don't make econoboxes or pickup trucks, even in Europe.

iPod was an unusual phenomenon where Apple cornered virtually the entire market, and probably will never be replicated. I think even Steve Jobs realized that iPhone and iPad wouldn't have the same market penetration, though I think he was a bit surprised how quickly Google pulled Android together (though it was really Samsung getting serious just as Nokia and RIM were making their massive missteps in 2010/2011 that kicked it into gear). I think his "5 years ahead" comment about the original iPhone indicated he thought that by now Android would be where it was in late 2010 or early 2011. Still, that would be consistent with a solid Galaxy-type device coming out in 2014, so it was just a matter of timing.

 

[Nale72]

1- Where do you take your android phone when you need support?

To the store where I bought it, just like I do if my or any of the familys iOS devises need support or service.

Here in Sweden we only have two Apple Stores and none nearby. The support and service situation is almost exactly the same if I buy an iPhone or an Android phone. The only differences I know of is that Apple don't repair phones out of warranty, they replace them for $390. So if I crack the display on my iPhone I have to pay $390 to have it fixed, but if I crack the display on my Android phone they will repair it, for a significantly smaller cost. The other is that I have 30 days of free phone support for an iOS device, after that they start to charge for the phone support.

 

[KPOM]

Well, I'm currently an iPhone user, but have previously owned several Android phones. When users here are spreading BS about Android I feel a need to correct that. Just because I'm now a iPhone user doesn't mean I am obliged to talk bad about Android and spread false information about how bad it is, or have I missed something in the Apple ID user agreement when I created it?

----------



In what way is Google Maps for iOS better than on Android? It might be prettier, but functionality wise the Android version is better I think. I still miss offline maps, bike mode navigation and ability to measure distance between two or more points in the map, like in the Android version I used a year ago.

I was speaking in terms of UI. Even Google's own team said that the iOS version introduced some new concepts that would eventually be built into the Android version.

I've owned Android and Android-based devices in the past (a Nexus One and a Kindle Fire). Google Maps Navigation was genuinely a nice advance.

 

[bozzykid]

So I assume non of you ever perform searches on google and see those ads

Yes, I see them everyday when I search on Safari on my iPhone 5.

 

[KPOM]

Yes - but ultimately you're looking at two completely different companies anyway. Samsung (in total) does more than phones/tablets. They are far more diverse. Their phone division could fold overnight and yes - it would be a hit - but Samsung wouldn't be out of business.

The same can't be said about Apple. Apple's business is primarily built on the pillar of iOS (iPad and iPhone.) That's why they need those both to have great profit margins.

Not really. Half of both company's profits are dependent on mobile phones. By Samsung, I mean Samsung Electronics ("Samsung" is a huge conglomerate, much like GE here). Sure, they could still make washing machines, but that's a bit like saying GE Capital isn't important to GE because they could still make light bulbs.

 

[bozzykid]

Speaking of the "Year-old OS". Reports I've read indicate it ships with Android 4.2.1. I believe 4.2.2 was just released last month. That doesn't seem like a year old OS to me.

 

[KPOM]

To the store where I bought it, just like I do if my or any of the familys iOS devises need support or service.

Here in Sweden we only have two Apple Stores and none nearby. The support and service situation is almost exactly the same if I buy an iPhone or an Android phone. The only differences I know of is that Apple don't repair phones out of warranty, they replace them for $390. So if I crack the display on my iPhone I have to pay $390 to have it fixed, but if I crack the display on my Android phone they will repair it, for a significantly smaller cost. The other is that I have 30 days of free phone support for an iOS device, after that they start to charge for the phone support.

That's not how it is here. A friend cracked the glass on his iPhone 4S. The display was fine but the front glass was shattered. It was about $30 to replace the glass.

 

[samcraig]

Not really. Half of both company's profits are dependent on mobile phones. By Samsung, I mean Samsung Electronics ("Samsung" is a huge conglomerate, much like GE here). Sure, they could still make washing machines, but that's a bit like saying GE Capital isn't important to GE because they could still make light bulbs.

But that's my point. And I didn't say SE was not important. But remove phones and tablets from both companies - which one goes immediately into the crapper? That's my point.

 

[kirk26]

I guess Apple is a little jealous here.

 

[Bezetos]

Breaking news, Apple says they're the best and Android provides "a worse experience". In other news, water is wet.

 

[jasvncnt]

Breaking news, Apple says their the best and Android provides "a worse experience". In other news, water is wet.

True but analyst's say that in 2017 water will be much drier

 

[samcraig]

True but analyst's say that in 2017 water will be much drier

Global warming...

 

[RenoG]

Well, I'm currently an iPhone user, but have previously owned several Android phones. When users here are spreading BS about Android I feel a need to correct that. Just because I'm now a iPhone user doesn't mean I am obliged to talk bad about Android and spread false information about how bad it is, or have I missed something in the Apple ID user agreement when I created it?

In all sincerity,
I understand that but why do you and others care sooo much. I mean most go all in to defend. Do you work for them, do you receive royalty checks from them, you hold some of their stock? I just do get the deep emotion for these platforms (apple/android). Its like some sort of intimate mental attachment going on with the two..I think its kinda weird.

Hmm maybe apple and google send some sort of nano waves into the customer's minds from their phones affecting the emotion center of peoples brains...Cellular Inception....Hmm I better be careful

 

[applesith]

Doubletwist (like iTunes) and/or the fact my phone mounts as a hard drive make it easy to manage and sync.

I do agree that it typically makes the most sense to share OSes across a phone and tablet. Something I am not doing now. But then again - I use them for different purposes. And since my music is in the cloud (not just on local storage) - that was the biggest crossover "issue."

I'm still rocking my original iPad though because for me - (note this is me personally) haven't had a need to upgrade. For what I use my iPad for - I don't need more speed/etc. Only thing that would be nice is the camera. But not enough to get me to switch (yet).

If I go the "mini" route - I would consider the Nexus 7 or whatever comes out though - not JUST the iPad mini.

Ultimately - the integration angle - for me at least - isn't a big deal. Anything I want/need on any device I have access to.

Different strokes for different folks. I have around 80/90 GB of music and not all of it is by labels or offered in marketplaces. Plus a bunch is iTunes purchased, so Google Play won't upload those. Haven't tried Doubletwist. Does it manage iTunes purchased music well? I don't like the managing as a hard disk and making folders for playlists and stuff....my winamp days are far behind.

I use my phone and tablet similarly...just depends on where I am and if I need larger views.

 

[jasvncnt]

In all sincerity,
I understand that but why do you and others care sooo much. I mean most go all in to defend. Do you work for them, do you receive royalty checks from them, you hold some of their stock? I just do get the deep emotion for these platforms (apple/android). Its like some sort of intimate mental attachment going on with the two..I think its kinda weird.

Hmm maybe apple and google send some sort of nano waves into the customer's minds from their phones affecting the emotion center of peoples brains...Cellular Inception....Hmm I better be careful

Its simple really. Android gets a bad rap and a lot of it comes from people that have never touched an Android device. They make false claims on what it can and cant do without really knowing. So someone will just correct them. I dont see why its so hard to understand. If someone here was saying how the iphone cant do this or that but it could..would you let them know?

 

[cmwade77]

It's true there's no way around it.
The second problem that android has is piracy, I only know 1 person that doesn't pirate android apps all the other users that I know either use only free stuff or pirate away.

Well, now you know two people who don't. Now granted, I stick with mostly free Apps, but there are a few that I think are worth purchasing.

Bottom line is Android works well and as for free replacements, even the iPhone has defective units being replaced for free.

Android works well for some and the iPhone works well for others, bottom line is it is a choice and no one should be trying to limit that choice.

 

[dysamoria]

725 comments and counting. I assume there's a holy war raging here between android trolls/fanboys and Apple fanboys.

I have to admit, I'm in agreement with the negative android comments Schiller made. It's the same problem with PCs. There's too wide a variation in hardware, and too wide a divide between hardware and software. Competition can harm the consumer, too.