ANDROID V/S IOS WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

You’re probably asking yourself that very question right now; what exactly ARE these funny sounding names? You see and hear them all the time in the media and even hear them thrown around casually with friends sometimes, but you don’t truly understand what they are. The concept behind them is pretty simple: each and every mobile device you use (phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) has a basic operating system that allows it to function and perform in the ways it does. It’s what makes your gadgets boot up instead of just showing a black screen. Each operating system (OS) has different features and as you can imagine, there are many different operating systems out there, but two really stick out amongst the crowd. Yes, the king and queen of mobile OS’s: Android and iOS.

Android's Logo is a Robot

Android say what?

Alright, let’s start out with Android. Announced in 2007 as Google’s little pet project, this OS has developed a loyal following and has grown to be one of the market’s top mobile operating systems. As an open-source project, Android is reliable, flexible, and free, giving developers and carriers more opportunities to shape Android to suit their needs. Android features widgets, multiple homescreens, true multitasking, and custom manufacturer interface skins, as well as many other cool features including the Android Market, voice-based navigation, and Google Navigator. For more information, check out http://www.android.com/.

Android Devices

Not all devices out there run Android, so which ones exactly DO? Well, if it has a little apple on it somewhere, you can rule Android out of the picture right from the start. Other than that, unless you know what you’re looking for, you really just have to google your device and see (no pun intended). Some Android devices called “Google Experience Phones” have a google experience logo on the back, making the Android phone very distinguishable from other devices. Just look for this telltale sign and you’re set. Some of the more successful Android phones and brands include the Droid, the Galaxy S, Evo 4G, Nexus One, and G1/G2. For a full list of Android devices, check out http://www.google.com/phone/.

What’s so special about iOS?

iOS. Chances are, you’ve heard of it at some point or another. Developed by Apple Inc., iOS is very different from Android as it is a closed source operating system where only Apple’s developers can work on and view iOS source code. This, however, is just the beginning of the differences. While maintaining most of the features found in Android, iOS puts its own little twist on things. Unlike Android, iOS does not allow custom interface skins. Apple is the only manufacturer of Apple/iOS products and therefor the only available theme is the default icon grid. Background customization is present of course, but the OS sorely lacks homescreen widgets. Multitasking and most of the other features are included, but Apple has customized them to maintain the integrity of the user experience. While not as customizable as Android, iOS does present a very easy-to-use, intuitive, and sleek user experience that is extremely pleasing to the eye. All in all, it’s a great and polished OS that’s not as customizable as Android, but offers its own set of features. For more information, check out http://www.apple.com/.

The iPhone 4

iOS Devices

iOS devices are not very hard to come by. Take a quick look around your house. I can almost guarantee there is something laying around with that oh-so-familiar Apple logo on it. Whether it’s an iPhone, iPod, iMac, iPad, or any other Apple product, it’s probably made its way into your home at one point or another. Unfortunately, your 5 year old iPod does not run iOS. Neither does your Mac for that matter. Restricted to first generation and later iPhones, iPod Touches, and iPads, iOS is only built for the most recent touchscreen devices (excluding the new 2010 iPod Nano which looks like iOS, but is not). So, if you're interested in trying or buying an iOS device, go check out your local Apple store or http://www.apple.com/.