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Have you ever wondered what kind of people make Android applications? Well wonder no more! This new infographic from StartApp explores everything from the companies Android developers work for to the music they listen to and everything in between.
Source: StartApp
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The battle between Android and iOS seems like it has been raging for millennia, despite the fact that it is just a few years old. When people consider upgrading their existing smartphone or buying their first multifunctional handset, choosing between Android and iOS can be tough. To help clear the air, here is an overview of what you can expect from each platform.
Hardware
Apple is the company behind iOS and you will only find this platform on products which it produces itself. This includes the iPhone range, which features the 3GS, 4 and 4S. Because Apple controls the hardware and the software it can also control the user experience, so you know that you are going to get a consistent feature set, with only upgraded hardware making a difference between each iPhone iteration.
Android is an open source mobile platform and it is used by a large number of manufacturers on a diverse array of handsets. Samsung, Motorola, LG and HTC are just a few of the companies which produce smarpthones based on Android. The scalable nature of the software means that it can also be found on high end models like the Samsung Galaxy Nexus as well as more basic phones like the HTC Explorer.
Because of the difference in hardware and pricing for Android handsets you need to do your homework carefully to find a model which will suit your needs as well as your budget. In general an Apple handset is going to be more expensive than the Android equivalent, which might make your choice easier.
Interface
As mentioned above the level of control exacted over iOS by Apple means that each iPhone will have an almost identical user interface. You can move icons around in an order that suits your needs, but other than changing the lockscreen wallpaper this is about as much customisation as you are going to get. This is not a problem since iOS is very intuitive and easy to use, but some might want a little more freedom to tinker with their mobile experience.
Android steps up to the plate and knocks it out of the park in this respect, because the multi-homescreen setup afforded by the platform, coupled with its open source nature, enables users to manipulate their mobile in any way they see fit. Add to that the fact that manufacturers can add their own bespoke UIs on top of the vanilla Android interface and you have plenty of room for experimentation.
The downside comes down to a lack of consistency and cohesion. Some Android handsets will have a smooth, well optimised interface, while others will feel sluggish and a little more basic. This is the price you pay for paying a lower price.
Apps
Both the iOS App Store and the Android Market are packed with hundreds of thousands of applications and games which you can download and enjoy. There are proportionally more free apps available on Android, but iOS is generally seen as offering a higher quality of software.
This difference typifies the Android/iOS debate. If you want a polished but locked-down experience then Apple is the way to go. If freedom and some rough edges are more your bag then Google`s Android will be suitable, with Samsung contracts representing the best offers.
