Comparison: android 4.0 from google vs ios 5 from apple
One of them is already available for download and the other is to come in a few weeks. We refer to the two most famous icon systems of the moment: Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich from Google and iOS 5 from Apple. For example, the Apple platform can already be seen in the new iPhone 4S or, updating the old Apple equipment. Meanwhile, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich was presented a few weeks ago together with Google's new advanced mobile: Samsung Galaxy Nexus.
Apple's icon system presents some problems such as excessive battery consumption of equipment (mobile phones, tablets or players) and, to correct it, a next update is already being worked on. Of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich there are still few expert opinions, however, the battery consumption is expected to be more moderate than its previous versions. Next we will see what both mobile platforms offer us in all their sections.
User interface
While Apple remains faithful to its user interface where large icons for accessing applications and different customizable screens predominate, Android 4.0 Icream Sandwich offers a renewed user experience compared to previous versions. And it should not be forgotten that Google intends to join in this new version of its operating system two sectors such as smartphones and touch tablets, where the applications of some also serve for the others and vice versa.
Google Voice and Siri from Apple
Both platforms allow you to control the equipment through voice commands. However, Apple has only integrated this service which it has baptized with the name of Siri, for users of the iPhone 4S. And at the moment, it is not available in Spanish. This will arrive throughout the next year 2012.
Meanwhile, Google Voice is available for all mobile phones on the platform as long as they have the Froyo version of the icon system installed. But, finally, the two personal assistants will facilitate the user to run applications through their own voice. Some examples would be: doing Internet searches, writing short text messages (SMS), playing music, or writing emails without having to put a single finger on the screen.
Which of the two could position itself as the main one right now? Taking into account that Google already has support for our language and that Apple has left one of the most used languages in the world in the background, the latter forces the Spanish user to have to dictate all the commands in perfect English for Siri to work.
Photo camera
Both Google and Apple have modified the option of being able to access the camera application. What's more, the user can take pictures with their mobile or tablet without having to unlock the terminal; an icon appears from the same lock screen, with which you can directly access the camera function.
However, one of the most positive aspects that Google has integrated and that photography lovers will applaud, is the possibility of taking panoramic photographs without the need to resort to third-party applications. It will be a matter of selecting the function, taking the different shots and Android will put them together to take the snapshot.
Once the photographs have been taken with the different teams, they can also be edited directly from the mobile on both platforms. And, in Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich there will be different filters that will simulate the famous Instagram application; For its part, iOS 5 must continue to use the service application to exercise the filters that you like the most.
Notification center
Google already had it implanted and Apple has copied it. What are we talking about? Well, the notification center. That screen that appears if the user slides his finger from the top of the computer and where all incoming notifications such as missed calls, text messages, emails, social networks, etc…
However, Google has gone a step further and will show this query center from the same lock screen of the mobile or tablet. That is, as with the photo camera, the mobile will not need to be unlocked so that its owner can access the information. In the case of Apple, the consumer must unlock the terminal if he wants to access the data.
Storage and data synchronization
From this version of the Apple icons (iOS 5), those from Cupertino have decided to give their teams a little more freedom and not depend on a computer at all times to be able to synchronize the data that is stored in their respective memories. That is to say, from now on, both iPhone and iPads or iPod Touch can be synchronized without the use of a cable in between; all data will be present on both computer, mobile and tablet from the moment the user decides to download some content (music, applications, magazines, etc…).
Meanwhile, Google already allowed all this and its synchronization with the services of the Internet giant were instantaneous. What's more, no program is needed for everything to work. Of course, Google has given more prominence to its social network Google+, where the user can save all their photos or contacts in albums. Meanwhile, calendar appointments are synchronized at the moment and having them at hand on any computer with an Internet connection.
For its part, Apple has added the iCloud function: an Internet-based service that provides five GigaBytes of space for free where you can synchronize photos, videos, music or documents. And, through an email account, access the information from any device that is updated to the latest version.
In short, both platforms allow access to all the information stored in Internet services. Where does Google save documents? Well, simply in its Google Docs office tool, which also has its native application for the Mountain View mobile platform.
Web navigator
This section has also undergone changes. While Apple has made its Safari browser go faster and added tabbed browsing in the purest Firefox or Google Chrome style. In addition, it has added functions such as being able to read pages later and appear thanks to iCloud, on all computers, as well as having a reading mode without distractions.
Meanwhile, Google has added full integration with its Google Chrome desktop browser. And it is that all the elements can be synchronized with the equipment that the user uses. In addition, to be able to read content without having an Internet connection. What's great about having full integration with Google Chrome? Well, this browser is multiplatform and you can access the reading lists as well as synchronized items from any computer.
Additional features
Finally, what is new on both platforms that have not been seen in previous versions. First of all, Apple has integrated some new icons on its main screen. These are: Kiosk, Reminders or iMessage. In the first one, the user will have an extensive catalog where they can download both magazines and digital newspapers and use the iPhone or iPad as a content viewer.
Meanwhile, Reminders is an application with which to write down lists of pending tasks and that, to the users' grace, they can also share with other users. An easy example would be the creation of a shopping list and one of the members of the couple shares its content with the other person.
Finally, Apple has wanted to enter the world of instant messaging and iMessage is the platform's own service. With this new function, the users of the same platform will be able to be in contact in a fast way and try to compete with such famous platforms as WhatsApp.
Google, for its part, has added interesting functions such as unlocking the terminal using facial recognition. That is, from now on, the client will have two variants to choose from. On the one hand, there will be the traditional method and that will be by sliding your finger on the virtual bar or entering a combination. And, on the other hand, the front camera of the terminal will be used and, only with the owner in front, the mobile or tablet can be used.
Another addition is the so-called Android Beam. And is that Google has given more relevance to the new NFC technology where you can share applications, play games or pass contact information with a simple touch between compatible mobiles. Another aspect is the possibility of being able to access the latest applications that have been made to work. That is, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich will provide a tiled view of all recently run apps with thumbnails.
And, last but not least, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich will also allow you to carry out an exhaustive control of data consumption, giving detailed information on everything you consume -in data-, each application installed on the terminal. With this, if the data rate contracted by the client has a limit, notifications can be set and even put limits when certain usage limits are reached.
