iOS v Android v Windows v Blackberry

[Rydalcommunications]

Hi Guys,

Being in the telecoms sector I am always fascinated to understand where the market is for its plans and devices.

One recent notice in our business is the demand for Android. This time around the Apple 'hunger bug' has not been as strong as previous launches. Apple have released they had their best selling day launch with the iphone 5s but Im not to sure if that's more to do with no pre-orders ?

Anyhow, I am interested to know what is the most popular OS on the market for UK business forum users. For me personally I am on the latest IOS software, I am a big fan of the IPAD and feel I have to have the Iphone to make the experience fit.

First vote goes too iOS.

Second best IMO is Android (whislt on a Samsung device) little things on the Samsung units such as the TV remote really do make it a 'future gadget'. Soon we will be turning on our Samsung cookers and washing machines via our phones.

If you would like to comment on why you like your OS then please do. This will be good for users debating what OS to choose for their business.

Looking forward to the results.

Steffan

 

[MBE1]

Personally prefer android.

 

[Dogsbody]

Android all the way. I have not, and will not, touch iOS whilst Apple insist on having batteries that cannot easily be changed. IMO definitely a case of style over substance.

 

[fisicx]

Android all the way. I have not, and will not, touch iOS whilst Apple insist on having batteries that cannot easily be changed.

What have batterys got to do with an operating system?

The actual OS is not important in the same way the device isn't important. It's what you do with that OS/device that matters. You could have a great OS but a really poor UI therfore rendering the device useless.

 

[garyk]

I've got a humble iphone 4 which has been dragged down with the pointless and ridiculous looking ios7 (yeah I know shouldnt have upgraded!) so am leaning more towards an android phone.

That said I still love my ipad and think that if a developer is going to push something out to a platform then iOS is always going to be first choice. I've got a number of music apps (soft synths sequencers etc) and the android support is poor compared to iOS. And that goes with all media, most podcasts are done for itunes, magazines for newstand etc.


Gary

 

[BusinessDeli]

Whatever does the job for me. Currently android on HTC One if that makes any difference?! As long as I can make calls, get email and sync files I'm good; don't think there is an OS that can't do all of that at the moment

 

[10032012]

Android.

I like Windows Phone but I am waiting a while for improvements etc. before I adopt.

Android is the best out there but I hate the concept of them stealing linux as a vehicle to display adverts and track people for purpose of adverts. I also hate the requirement to have a google account just to download apps. I must have about 20 gmail accounts... none of which for email, all for different android devices (phone, tablet, smart tv boxes etc.). I don't like Google's relaxed attitude to rogue apps.

Blackberry is dead, too much too late IMO. Apple seriously needs to move away from their belief that despite people spending hundreds on their premium devices that the device still belongs to them. One OS for ipods, iphones and ipods... cmon! lol. iOS leaves a lot left to be desired. Icons are dinosaurs! All joking aside, I think neither of the products on the market are good enough for the technological advances in hardware. I am hoping someone will come along with a new OS from linux kernel and do a better job of it.

How I rate:
1. Android
2. Windows
3. iOS
4. Blackberry

Windows' live tiles are the best concept IMO however. Icons are very dated. Androids widgets are still good. Firefox OS and Ubuntu Touch are ones to look out for. More newcomers are welcome in my eyes though.

 

[fisicx]

One OS for ipods, iphones and ipods... cmon!.

Unlike android or windows of course...

Windows' live tiles are the best concept IMO .

That is a joke I hope. Have you tried using windows 8.1 on a desktop?

 

[10032012]

Have you tried using windows 8.1 on a desktop?

What part of "mobile operating system" did you overlook? I assume it was the mobile part.

I took the hassle of seeking Windows 7 computers... Windows 8 isn't my thing. I agree with you there.

 

[HostLoveUK]

iOS gets my vote.

 

[fisicx]

What part of "mobile operating system" did you overlook? I assume it was the mobile part.

It was the concept of windows tiles I was referring too - since it's the same core OS (something you suggested the latest version of windows wasn't). And since I have a lappy I carry around with me I consider that to have a mobile OS as well.

 

[Ian J]

Blackberry is dead, too much too late IMO.

I hope not as I have a further 12 months on my Android contract to run and intend to switch back to Blackberry as I prefer the way that they handle emails

 

[snakeeyes121]

Android, without a shadow of a doubt, but then I've used Android since my first tentative steps in to the world of smartphones, and I guess I've grown used to it, by using it in my personal life, if I used an IOS device first of all, iI'd probably favour that, but I really hate how it looks, I hate how it's marketed, and I hate how many that use 'that' phone, have some kind of superiority complex.... But I won't rant about that. My main grip about iOS is the closed system, and to be petty, the whole interface looks childlike, but I could say the same about some Android devices, like Samsung with their horrible touchwiz interface, but that's of course my personal feelings towards it.

I think my choice to use Google apps for my business emails etc stems from my like of Android, emails, docs, calendar etc etc all synced between multiple devices, all for free, is of course a bonus.

I don't actually use many 'apps' for business use, just email, calendar, docs, officesuite for word processing on the go, and a couple of others.

There are of course negatives, but the ease of use, ease of syncing, and having both personal and business accounts on the one device, but completely separate so to speak, far outweighs the negatives.

But then all Android devices aren't made equal, for phones I favour HTC, and tablets the nexus range, or a recently acquired Tesco Hudl, yes a cheapish Tesco branded tablet, but it's excellent value for what you get.

But operating system wise, Android hands down, either vanilla Android, or one with the HTC Sense overlay.

 

[tony84]

Ive had a blackberry for years - i love the keyboard on it. I was persuaded to switch to an android phone with a touch screen thing... its not the biggest mistake of my life but its up there. Only 22 more months to go until i can back to blackberry (assuming theyre still around).

 

[sambarnes90]

Android for me all the way.

IMO Blackerry is all but dead.

iOS does have advantages in some areas but doesn't provide me the customisation options that I need.

Also being such an avid Google fanboy makes Android best for me.

Yet to try Windows, although it does look like a good alternative!

Can definitely see the draw of both iOS and Windows, but still Android wins it for my needs.

 

[Ashley_Price]

When I started my business BlackBerry was the phone to aspire to having. I've now had BlackBerry for several years, and I will not change until I am forced to. I am perfectly happy with the OS etc. (I use OS 7 though as I have a BlackBerry 9900).

People look at all the apps for the other OS (iPhone, Android) and they think that's what makes a better phone, but I still don't think you can truly beat BlackBerry as a business phone. It has never let me down (aside from that time when their systems were down for about 3 days, but it wasn't a major problem for me).

 

[Alex - A2 Hosting]

I currently have Android running on my Samsung Galaxy. I miss the iOS though I do find Android is a lot more flexible and works nicely.

@Ashley_Price - Nice to see you are satisfied with the BlackBerry (It's not a common hearing these days I find). I had a BlackBerry a few years back (forget which!) and did like it "at the time". Now I am really loving my big, full screen Samsung Galaxy and can't see myself ever going back to BlackBerry.

I think BB could have done themselves a huge favour by adopting Android actually, to bad they didn't give in and kept pumping millions into their dev eco.

 

[cjd]

We develop apps for both Apple and Android and I can tell you that Android is an absolute swine.

The advantage of Apple is that they own and control the device and then check the app before authorising it. That means there's a limited and known number of variants, that there's good development guidelines, that stuff doesn't often get published if it's broken and that it's fairly secure.

When you're building for Android you're in a world of unregulated pain. Any old sh1t can be an Android app and an Android device.

 

[Alex - A2 Hosting]

We develop apps for both Apple and Android and I can tell you that Android is an absolute swine.

The advantage of Apple is that they own and control the device and then check the app before authorising it. That means there's a limited and known number of variants, that there's good development guidelines, that stuff doesn't often get published if it's broken and that it's fairly secure.

When you're building for Android you're in a world of unregulated pain. Any old sh1t can be an Android app and an Android device.

This of course could also be argued the other way however .

 

[Ian J]

People look at all the apps for the other OS (iPhone, Android) and they think that's what makes a better phone, but I still don't think you can truly beat BlackBerry as a business phone.

After many years with a Blackberry I switched to a Samsung S3 primarily as I wanted a large screen so that I could see what the photos being sent to me actually were and also I liked the larger keys so I would make less mistakes when texting.

When switching I hadn't realised that the way Blackberry handle emails is unique as they were routed through their own servers and I miss that usefulness a lot and all the hundreds of apps that I hardly ever use isn't really a consolation

 

[Rydalcommunications]

Guys, Some great responses and Androids user flexability seems to be leading the way. Have to admit I was an big blackberry geek prior to their sink! the Q10 device is actually a very very good device, the problem is they dont have the app market place. You can (in developer mode) access all the Android apps on BB10 OS but its not simple.....

Will be good to see what this is in January and what the forum members actually use! your also helping me with how we focus our marketing, heavily targeting Apple but maybe a change is needed looking at this!

thanks for the feedback!

 

[RogerBa]

I have an iPhone 4, now well over 3 years old and even with the latest ios7 performs everything it should and at a reasonable speed (ios7 has slowed it a little, but not enough to cause problems), I cannot think of a reason to change it so won't.
The real beauty is the battery life, it's excellent, especially for a phone of this age that's used daily for many tasks.
Everybody I know who has an Android phone complains about the battery life, I have no personal experience but have to take that as a bit of a drawback.

Previously I was a big big Blackberry fan, and to be honest for email they had/have the best system, it's the other functions or lack of that caused the problems.

 

[erictwendell]

Personally prefer android.

Andriods serves best..Lol

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

I love Blackberry however !!!! I am increasingly frustrated with the lack of aps at least 3 times this month I have tried to find apps that other providers have but BB do not . Im getting a new tablet as the playbook is becoming more and more usless Its not just business apps there is a radio station that I like that apparently I'm too old to listen to (No one knows my age so how do they get that ). You cant even get that on BB now

 

[fisicx]

This of course could also be argued the other way however .

How can it be argued the other way?

 

[MBE1]

Blackberrys couple of days shutdown has seriously weakened their position IMO, never used it and never will, I want a phone I can use all year, having the system shut down twice in as many years is enough for myself never to commit to them.

 

[fisicx]

I don't get your point. If gmail drops because of a nework issue does that means you will never use an android phone again. If the O2 3G fails for an hour will you change providers the next day?

People are getting all mixed up between the OS, the device and the carrier. All are independant of each other.

 

[Ashley_Price]

It depends what people need from their phone. As many here have said they are more interested on the number of apps that are available. But how many of those apps are you actually going to use on a regular basis?

I use my BlackBerry for five main things (aside from calls, obviously):

1/ Texting
2/ Social Media
3/ News headlines & Weather
4/ Emails
5/ Internet

So, the apps I use most are:

Ubersocial for Twitter
Sky News
Facebook app
BeWeather
Email blocker

A lot of the other apps that are on the phone are used very occasionally (if at all).

So, what's the point in me having access to thousands of apps when I'm not going to need them.

The BlackBerry is still a fantastic phone and does what I need it to do.

The shutdown would have only affected those "on the road" without access to PC or laptop.

I am not sure how the Playbook is becoming "more and more useless" because you can't access a radio station app. As for me, my Playbook has just come into its own. My Kobo e-reader (like the Kindle) has just crashed permanently, it looks like. However, thanks to Kobo doing a BlackBerry Playbook app, I can still read all the books on the Playbook.

However, I think where BlackBerry has failed is they are a bit too tight on access to their OS. It's similar to the Betamax/VHS wars. Technically, the Betamax was far superior, but they kept a tight control on who could use the technology, whereas the makers of VHS (JVC?) allowed anyone to use it.

 

[Ian J]

I think where BlackBerry has failed is they are a bit too tight on access to their OS. It's similar to the Betamax/VHS wars. Technically, the Betamax was far superior, but they kept a tight control on who could use the technology, whereas the makers of VHS (JVC?) allowed anyone to use it.

As far as technology goes it isn't always the best system that wins out as in addition to the Betamax/VHS technology battle HD-DVD was also a superior technology to Blu-ray but the latter won out due to the bottomless pit in Sony's war chest.

 

[Ashley_Price]

As far as technology goes it isn't always the best system that wins out as in addition to the Betamax/VHS technology battle HD-DVD was also a superior technology to Blu-ray but the latter won out due to the bottomless pit in Sony's war chest.

That is my point. The BlackBerry is still a fantastic phone, but they didn't react well to the release of the iPhone and the other smart-phones and so got left behind. But I don't think the BlackBerry will die - I think it will still be there. I just wish they would go private and then not have to worry about shareholders, giving them a chance to step back, take a breath, and consider their next move.

 

[Paul_Rosser]

Personally I have android for personal use and a blackberry Q10 for business and you can't beat a proper keyboard when writing long emails.

Whilst the blackberry OS is now better it's still miles behind android and IOS and in terms of apps is pretty poor, but if all you want is something to handle emails, phone calls and text messages then it's great....oh and it's much more secure the Apple or Android when used in the corporate world as BES (Blackberry Enterprise Server) allows for full device control.

When RIM really went wrong was trying to move away from their core business market and move into personal user all based around the kids thinking BBM was cool and while BBM is very cool it's also free so quite hard to make any money out of. Also now they have released BBM for droid it's no longer just for blackberry users.

 

[Rydalcommunications]

Has anyone used the BB10 developer mode to obtain the Android Apps?

 

[Paul_Rosser]

Yes, have sideloaded a few android apps on the Q10 and all have worked well.

 

[Markrichard]

I love android for two reasons just one it is open sourced and second it's super customizable for a normal user like me who are not Geeks.

 

[Paul Norman]

We develop apps for both Apple and Android and I can tell you that Android is an absolute swine.

The advantage of Apple is that they own and control the device and then check the app before authorising it. That means there's a limited and known number of variants, that there's good development guidelines, that stuff doesn't often get published if it's broken and that it's fairly secure.

When you're building for Android you're in a world of unregulated pain. Any old sh1t can be an Android app and an Android device.

I enjoyed this, because it brought home to me how opinion can so differ. A company I part own develope mobile apps - for Android! They won't go near Apple devices. Neither of you are right or wrong, of course...just being balanced here!

 

[Peanut Print]

iOS all the way. We are big fans of Apple products!

 

[The web design girl]

We use Apple but I have to say im not too impressed with the quality.
We have a new (few months old) iPad 4 32gb, and it has gone back now & been replaced 3 times!
It always dies during system updates...