Android Vs. Ios Comparison Paper: Final Draft

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Android, in general, is aimed at tinkerers and customizers. Be it overclocking, under-voting, custom ROMs, or custom Kernels, Android was intended for those who are proficient in technological practices. Android features one key difference that these tinkerers love and that iOS does not have: Widgets. A Widget is a small portion of an app that can be placed on the home screen of an interface and enabling the user to interact with the app without even opening it. Due to Android’s open source, manufactures can produce phones with different capabilities and qualities, allowing an Android phone to be purchased on pretty much any budget.

Every year, Google releases a new firmware for Android devices. These firmwares follow a tradition and are given names that coincide with desserts. First it was Donut, then Éclair, then Gingerbread, then Ice Cream Sandwich and now Android 4.1 aka Jelly Bean. The version released by Google is known as stock or bare from any changes that manufacturer may have made. Since all manufacturers add their own flavor to Android, the stock version is only commonly seen on Google Nexus devices or devices created by Google itself. If you are dissatisfied with the version of Android you are running you can, “root” your phone. In layman terms, this is a process which allows you to control every aspect of your phone. You can then load aftermarket Android firmware such as CyanogenMod or AOKP allowing customers to customize their phone in any way they wish. This action is currently only available on Android.

Currently, Android activates about 1 million devices per day (Shankland). Many attribute this to the fact that Android is so widespread, but it can also be attributed to the fact that consumers like the ability to customize. Many times you see an individual trying to make themselves heard and seen by acting and appearing unique. Manufacturers' see that consumer’s would also like to do the same to their device. Nevertheless, this is not to say that Apple is not successful. Currently Apple is the most valuable company in the world with the highest Market Cap Stock rankings (Market Cap Rankings). iOS may lack customization, but surveys show customers prefer the simple controlled interface and would rather stick with the simplicity of an iPhone. In addition, many claim that Apple creates devices with premium materials resulting in “exquisite” devices. However, others prefer the ability to change their device on a whim. In the end, some will sacrifice what others will not.

Thus, the operating system that will ultimately end up being one’s favorite strictly depends on the consumer. Apple and Google’s OS’s are aimed at two different groups of individuals. Android is certainly aimed at those who like to tinker and customize and prefer techniques and implementations that may have not been tested before. iOS on the other hand appeals to those who like consistency and exceptional quality. Such individuals prefer everything to work exceptionally well and would rather minimize changes and untested implementations. Overall, Android is rapidly spreading in the technological field as it runs on a plethora of devices. Samsung has even introduced an Android powered digital camera. Nevertheless, iOS is still a premium ecosystem and cannot be overlooked by other manufacturers or consumers. In the end the OS a consumer will choose is all down to personal preference.

Works Cited

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Elgin , Ben. "Google Buys Android for Its Mobile Arsenal - Businessweek." Businessweek - Business News, Stock Market & Financial Advice. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2012. .

Gustin, Sam. "One Billion Smartphones by 2016: Here Comes the Mobile Arms Race." TIME.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Oct. 2012. .

Lyons, Dan. "Will Apple's Focus on Profits Let Its Rivals Jump Ahead?" Technology Review. MIT, 11 Sept. 2012. Web. 21 Oct. 2012.

"Market Cap Rankings." Yahoo Market Cap Stock Rankings. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Oct. 2012. .

Shankland, Stephen. "Android Activations Reach 1 Million per Day." CNET News. CBS Interactive, 27 June 2012. Web. 9 Oct. 2012. .