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
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