Someone explain what multtasking is, and why ios is worse at it?

[iSheep5S]

Grab your iphone. Start Facebook messenger. Then open twitter. Ops... Messenger closed. Still taking push messages tho.

Now do that with android. Chat head on screen. Twitter running right?

Simple terms. Simple stuff a non power user will understand.

 

[mattopotamus]

iMessaging is only relevant because Apple integrated instant messaging into their native sms application which creates issues for group chats for non iOS users, when send as SMS is disabled in their iMessaging settings (the real issue is that most don't know they have it disabled and or know the difference).

Although hangouts helps to bridge the gap. My message now send as a mms w/i the same group.

 

[b0fh666]

well I for one miss backgrounder on old jailbroken IOS *A LOT*

ever since I upgraded my iphone 4 to ios 6 (kicking and screaming, as vendors kept pulling the plug on apps) I started to dislike the damn phone.

 

[Menneisyys2]

well I for one miss backgrounder on old jailbroken IOS *A LOT*

ever since I upgraded my iphone 4 to ios 6 (kicking and screaming, as vendors kept pulling the plug on apps) I started to dislike the damn phone.

Did you know that there is an iOS6-compliant version? Background Manager. I've even reviewed it in my Keynote bible here at MR - see section "1.1.1 iOS 6: Background Manager ($1)" for some tips.

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Windows 8 app snapping is real multitasking.

Yup. Apple should implement something like that. Well, probably in the iPad Pro...

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I think IOS 7 fixed that and does it similar to android now.

Unfortunately, this is in no way true. iOS7's multitasking support is still a joke compared to that of

- Android (particularly with Samsung's true multiwindow add-ons) or even

- Windows RT (see the absolutely excellent Snap mode)

iOS is only capable of similar

- non-windowed multitasking similar to stock Android with the JB tools Backgrounder (pre-iOS6) / Background Manager (iOS6)

- true windowed multitasking with the absolutely great JB tool Quasar (iOS5 only - that is, it's not compatible with iOS6, regrettably)

 

[b0fh666]

actually I did not... tought the project/concept was dead and buried.

will give it a try! thank you sir.

 

[Skika]

Apple has smart multitasking that doesn't eat up battery life and leaves running applications in the background for no reason. I can multitask just fine on iOS if i want, i can start a download with a video downloader and it will download in the background just fine.

b-but my t-torents! My trooo multitasking!1

Android just leaves apps running in the background, big deal thats really something one should avoid on mobile devices, Apple realized that and implemented an amazing solution, and yet you hear these people praising Android for simply doing nothing on the issue.

 

[cynics]

Apple has smart multitasking that doesn't eat up battery life and leaves running applications in the background for no reason. I can multitask just fine on iOS if i want, i can start a download with a video downloader and it will download in the background just fine.



Android just leaves apps running in the background, big deal thats really something one should avoid on mobile devices, Apple realized that and implemented an amazing solution, and yet you hear these people praising Android for simply doing nothing on the issue.

This is mostly incorrect.

Android suspends apps in the background that you don't need to run. You can see this from ram usage in settings. Only apps designed to run in the background will.

Apples solution? You mean with iOS 7 to work more like Android? They did add background app refresh.

 

[Greg.]

Android just leaves apps running in the background, big deal thats really something one should avoid on mobile devices, Apple realized that and implemented an amazing solution, and yet you hear these people praising Android for simply doing nothing on the issue.

This is pretty much completely wrong. Nice going.

 

[pdqgp]

Apple has smart multitasking that doesn't eat up battery life and leaves running applications in the background for no reason.

You're implying Android leaves applications in the background for no reason eating up battery life and you're 110% wrong. Android actually is smarter than iOS at this. More shortly.

I can multitask just fine on iOS if i want, i can start a download with a video downloader and it will download in the background just fine.

Read my examples above (the airport situation) in post 19 and feel free to comment. No way iOS can do all those real-world things.

Android just leaves apps running in the background, big deal thats really something one should avoid on mobile devices.

Again, and as you've already been schooled by others, dead wrong.

Apple realized that and implemented an amazing solution, and yet you hear these people praising Android for simply doing nothing on the issue.

Doing nothing? Android has had smarter and really, smarter mulititasking far longer than iOS. iOS followed android and the rest of the computing world by finally implementing multitasking.

Android not only closes down processes that are no longer needed, but it offers developers more ways to run behind the scenes than iOS does. The process associated with an app is free to run whatever code it needs in the background, but if memory is constrained, it could be ended at any time.

Contrast that with iOS that is "controlling" (go figure) which forces developers to very clearly declare why an app needs to exist as a non-Suspended Background process for more than a few seconds.

 

[Sensamic]

This just shows how must iOS users just don't understand how their mobile OS or Android works.

No wonder why they stay with Apple... they just don't know how bad iOS truly is compared to the competition...

 

[cynics]

This just shows how must iOS users just don't understand how their mobile OS or Android works.

No wonder why they stay with Apple... they just don't know how bad iOS truly is compared to the competition...

It's all a matter of taste though. I'm under no delusion that Android isn't capable of a lot more things, especially techie things. I use both Android and iOS.

However I prefer everything else about iOS. And since I don't use and therefore don't need those techie things it would be dumb of me to go with Android over something I prefer.

Take the multitasking for example. I never once wished my phone was doing one thing in the background while I did another. Notifications and fetching email is more then enough for my needs. Torrents? Sure that's cool for some people but not for me. iMessage is 1000x more important to me, so is AirPlay, and FaceTime. Never mind all the accessories I use and prefer designed for an iPhone.

IMO there is no perfect OS, however iOS currently has the least compromises for ME.

 

[tbayrgs]

It's all a matter of taste though. I'm under no delusion that Android isn't capable of a lot more things, especially techie things. I use both Android and iOS.

However I prefer everything else about iOS. And since I don't use and therefore don't need those techie things it would be dumb of me to go with Android over something I prefer.

Take the multitasking for example. I never once wished my phone was doing one thing in the background while I did another. Notifications and fetching email is more then enough for my needs. Torrents? Sure that's cool for some people but not for me. iMessage is 1000x more important to me, so is AirPlay, and FaceTime. Never mind all the accessories I use and prefer designed for an iPhone.

IMO there is no perfect OS, however iOS currently has the least compromises for ME.

Very well said...my sentiments EXACTLY.

I've used Android extensively on both phones and tablets and like you understand how much more functionality is available in Android. But also like you, I don't need/use all of the added horsepower on my phone and the iPhone fits my own personal needs/tastes better, at least right now.

More doesn't always mean better.

 

[OhHaiThere]

Very well said...my sentiments EXACTLY.

I've used Android extensively on both phones and tablets and like you understand how much more functionality is available in Android. But also like you, I don't need/use all of the added horsepower on my phone and the iPhone fits my own personal needs/tastes better, at least right now.

More doesn't always mean better.

Really? That's odd.

When I drive and receive a phone call my navigation continues in the background, providing voice directions and notification area info. Not a power user feature, just a simple example of multi-tasking.

Similarly if I'm co-pilot and I'm navigating I'll have my phone navigating and just talking in the background while I'm playing a game or looking something up in a browser.

I don't even know if iPhone can do this or not (I really hope it can, because it's so basic), I'm mentioning these things because many times we do multi-task and we do want to run multiple applications at the same time without even realizing we're doing it. We don't have to go out of our ways to do so, is what I mean.

Another example of this, and I know the iPhone supports something like it, is when you load up a podcast or Pandora or SiriusXM or whatever else and listen to it while you may play a game or do whatever else with your other senses.

Am I wrong about any of this or does the iPhone allow for enough multi-tasking in some of those common areas like I've described, where you feel having "more" multi-tasking is really just too advanced?

Sorry, I'm confused.

 

[tbayrgs]

Really? That's odd.

When I drive and receive a phone call my navigation continues in the background, providing voice directions and notification area info. Not a power user feature, just a simple example of multi-tasking.

Similarly if I'm co-pilot and I'm navigating I'll have my phone navigating and just talking in the background while I'm playing a game or looking something up in a browser.

I don't even know if iPhone can do this or not (I really hope it can, because it's so basic), I'm mentioning these things because many times we do multi-task and we do want to run multiple applications at the same time without even realizing we're doing it. We don't have to go out of our ways to do so, is what I mean.

Another example of this, and I know the iPhone supports something like it, is when you load up a podcast or Pandora or SiriusXM or whatever else and listen to it while you may play a game or do whatever else with your other senses.

Am I wrong about any of this or does the iPhone allow for enough multi-tasking in some of those common areas like I've described, where you feel having "more" multi-tasking is really just too advanced?

Sorry, I'm confused.

If you did intend to quote me (not sure as I wasn't speaking to any of the issues/functionality you're describing), I don't think you understand the context of my message.

My response was only to reiterate cynic's reply to Sensamic ignorant sweeping generalization that all iOS users are basically idiots who don't know what they're doing. I'm fully aware of the advantages Android can offer, but just don't need all of it on my phone (but actually prefer it on my 8" tablet), and actually find more value in some of the iOS specific functionality. So in my case, having more is actually less, because if I opted for an Android handset, I would miss out on those features of iOS that I personally find more valuable.

I'm not foolish enough to believe my needs/preferences trump those who desire the greater flexibility Android offers them and won't ever find me belittling users of other devices that better suit their personal needs. You or others prefer the way Android operates (including multitasking), that's great. Some don't and shouldn't be ridiculed for their choice.

 

[Sensamic]

Of course if you have knowledge about the functionality of both iOS and Android and you still prefer iOS that's perfectly fine.

I was referring to users like the OP, who says he doesn't see any difference between the multitasking on iOS and Android. He is one of those users who doesn't know about the capabilities of Android, or the lack of certain capabilities in iOS, and therefore thinks they are the same. That's not true. That's why I said most iOS users probably just don't understand or know how limited their mobile OS is compared to the competition.

But if you know all this stuff and still prefer one or the other then it's just a matter of taste like you guys say.

 

[adnbek]

Android not only closes down processes that are no longer needed, but it offers developers more ways to run behind the scenes than iOS does. The process associated with an app is free to run whatever code it needs in the background, but if memory is constrained, it could be ended at any time.

Only if memory is constrained. However, what about the extra cpu cycles and therefore extra power consumption?

Contrast that with iOS that is "controlling" (go figure) which forces developers to very clearly declare why an app needs to exist as a non-Suspended Background process for more than a few seconds.

I prefer it that way. I don't just want ANY app to run in the background, only those for which it'll be useful for them to do so, whether it be an audio player, GPS, airplay streaming, or other things that should continue their tasks while I'm doing other things. And I'll bet that's the logic Apple uses too when deciding whether an app should be allowed to run in the background or not.

No need for apps to continue running needlessly if there is no extra utility to be gained from it. Push notifications are more than enough instead of having Skype, Facebook or Whatsapp constantly eating battery running as a active process for example.

This just shows how must iOS users just don't understand how their mobile OS or Android works.

No wonder why they stay with Apple... they just don't know how bad iOS truly is compared to the competition...

Lemme know when battery standby times don't take a beating on Android and then we'll talk. At least I know that unless i'm actively using it, my iphone and ipad are using minimal amounts of power when they're idle. If I forget to plug them in at night, they probably lose no more than 1-2% charge overnight. Can't say the same for the two Nexus 7s I owned that would constantly lose a good amount of charge even when sleeping.

 

[pdqgp]

I'm not foolish enough to believe my needs/preferences trump those who desire the greater flexibility Android offers them and won't ever find me belittling users of other devices that better suit their personal needs.

I don't think anyone is belittle users themselves. What I see is others pointing out shortcomings of iOS because while some may find its limitations acceptable, limitations are never good because you can't ever grow or use what your device doesn't offer from the start.

 

[OhHaiThere]

If you did intend to quote me (not sure as I wasn't speaking to any of the issues/functionality you're describing), I don't think you understand the context of my message.

My response was only to reiterate cynic's reply to Sensamic ignorant sweeping generalization that all iOS users are basically idiots who don't know what they're doing. I'm fully aware of the advantages Android can offer, but just don't need all of it on my phone (but actually prefer it on my 8" tablet), and actually find more value in some of the iOS specific functionality. So in my case, having more is actually less, because if I opted for an Android handset, I would miss out on those features of iOS that I personally find more valuable.

I'm not foolish enough to believe my needs/preferences trump those who desire the greater flexibility Android offers them and won't ever find me belittling users of other devices that better suit their personal needs. You or others prefer the way Android operates (including multitasking), that's great. Some don't and shouldn't be ridiculed for their choice.

I did mean to quote you, but just for the general sentiment, and looking for feedback since you seem to use both OS's.

I also think "ignorant" and "idiot" shouldn't be used interchangeably. One can be the smartest person in the world and still be ignorant about something.

Having said that, the examples I brought up are just normal real world examples that you'd use a phone for any day of the week, they're not cherry picked to show how much cool stuff I can do at once on the phone. So can an iOS user do the same? Because if they can't, then multi-tasking is a big deal.

I run multiple apps all the time and switch back/forth, much like on a computer, but I realize that's probably not something your average user may care about. What about real world examples of multi-tasking? Is it possible most iOS users are ignorant (i.e. don't know what they're missing?). Assuming the features aren't supported.

 

[pdqgp]

only if memory is constrained. However, what about the extra cpu cycles and therefore extra power consumption?

Not sure I follow you? There are no issues with power or performance as the widgets and apps and OS are designed together. I have 8 widgets running 24x7 and never shutdown apps and a very nice live background wallpaper on My Note 3 go from 5 am to midnight and with medium to heavy use rarely drop below 30 percent battery life.

prefer it that way. I don't just want ANY app to run in the background, only those for which it'll be useful for them to do so, whether it be an audio player, GPS, airplay streaming, or other things that should continue their tasks while I'm doing other things.

Why not? Again there little no impact on performance or battery life. Why would I care if my widgets are running? Besides, right now I have a number of apps open in the background and they aren't actually running because they were designed properly. Camera, QuickPic photos album, Alarm Clock, Messaging (texts), Email, Weather (not just the widget), tapatalk, Calender, etc....those that are designed to push/fetch or run do exactly that. Others just suspend but are there in a flash if I need them.

And I'll bet that's the logic Apple uses too when deciding whether an app should be allowed to run in the background or not.

Perhaps but I don't need Apple deciding for me. I much prefer real multitasking and the ability to choose if I want an app to shut down.

No need for apps to continue running needlessly if there is no extra utility to be gained from it.

But there is utility with widgets and other apps. ios users don't see that because they don't have that option.

Lemme know when battery standby times don't take a beating on Android and then we'll talk.

Let's talk because it's not taking a beating.

Can't say the same for the two Nexus 7s I owned that would constantly lose a good amount of charge even when sleeping.

Sounds like a settings issue IMO. Not sure what the standby times are on the Nexus though. Besides they have a quick and easy option to shut down whatever they would like. However again its not necessary. Show me a one button shut down all apps click on iOS. They don't have it. Dumb.

 

[OhHaiThere]

But there is utility with widgets and other apps. ios users don't see that because they don't have that option.

That's actually a good point. I forget about that. For example, I have my Mint refresh every few hours so that when I look at the phone screen I always see my up to date financial info without having to go into the app at all.

Same goes for every widget... weather, sports, news, etc.

 

[Nikhil72]

These have been standard background functions on iOS for years now. If you're going to criticize the operating system in some way, at least know these things beforehand. Voice navigation and music apps have forever been able to continue in the background. And with iOS 7, most apps can be written with some background capabilities as well (ie my podcast app downloads podcasts the moment they're made available, my Dropbox app Boxie notifies me with any changes, CameraSync syncs my photos to Dropbox in the background, Pocket downloads my latest articles in the background).

Multitasking is done very differently on both systems and individual needs are different; for the masses, these background functionalities cover nearly all possible she scenarios. And I still prefer push notifications to this day.

Edit: I believe iOS 3 with the 3GS brought support for background audio and navigation. In 2009.

Really? That's odd.

When I drive and receive a phone call my navigation continues in the background, providing voice directions and notification area info. Not a power user feature, just a simple example of multi-tasking.

Similarly if I'm co-pilot and I'm navigating I'll have my phone navigating and just talking in the background while I'm playing a game or looking something up in a browser.

I don't even know if iPhone can do this or not (I really hope it can, because it's so basic), I'm mentioning these things because many times we do multi-task and we do want to run multiple applications at the same time without even realizing we're doing it. We don't have to go out of our ways to do so, is what I mean.

Another example of this, and I know the iPhone supports something like it, is when you load up a podcast or Pandora or SiriusXM or whatever else and listen to it while you may play a game or do whatever else with your other senses.

Am I wrong about any of this or does the iPhone allow for enough multi-tasking in some of those common areas like I've described, where you feel having "more" multi-tasking is really just too advanced?

Sorry, I'm confused.

 

[OhHaiThere]

These have been standard background functions on iOS for years now. If you're going to criticize the operating system in some way, at least know these things beforehand. Voice navigation and music apps have forever been able to continue in the background. And with iOS 7, most apps can be written with some background capabilities as well (ie my podcast app downloads podcasts the moment they're made available, my Dropbox app Boxie notifies me with any changes, CameraSync syncs my photos to Dropbox in the background, Pocket downloads my latest articles in the background).

Multitasking is done very differently on both systems and individual needs are different; for the masses, these background functionalities cover nearly all possible she scenarios. And I still prefer push notifications to this day.

Edit: I believe iOS 3 with the 3GS brought support for background audio and navigation. In 2009.

Thanks for the info, that's what I was looking for. Sounds like the basics that most people would need might be covered in some way. So at the least, the average user doesn't feel like they're missing out in any way.

 

[Internaut]

The way iOS handles multi tasking can be a pain in the backside. For example, when I go on a business trip, I download some content from BBC iPlayer to my iPad Mini. While the download is taking place, I have to stay on the BBC iPlayer download screen. On an Android tablet, I can initiate the download, and then carry on doing other stuff with the tablet.

 

[OhHaiThere]

The way iOS handles multi tasking can be a pain in the backside. For example, when I go on a business trip, I download some content from BBC iPlayer to my iPad Mini. While the download is taking place, I have to stay on the BBC iPlayer download screen. On an Android tablet, I can initiate the download, and then carry on doing other stuff with the tablet.

People are saying it can download in the background, though... so what's the story? Do you have to be using specific apps for all this nice multi-tasking (i.e. downloading in the background) to work or is it supported as a service in iOS that some apps are just not taking advantage of?

 

[Internaut]

People are saying it can download in the background, though... so what's the story? Do you have to be using specific apps for all this nice multi-tasking (i.e. downloading in the background) to work or is it supported as a service in iOS that some apps are just not taking advantage of?

With tbe app I cited (and with Channel 4's 4OD also), I've never gotten a download to succeed while I've been doing other things. Yes, it is supposed to be possible to get iOS to do stuff in the background, but it requires developer support, and I can't vouch for the extent of this. My own experience suggests to me that this is perhaps not as good as it could be.

For better or worse (and it can be worse, if we're talking landfill Android), Android performs preemptive multitasking by default, while iOS (and Windows Phone too) remains closer to the cooperative model.