The fact that I keep seeing these articles pop up makes me secure that I’m not alone in my thinking. The Next Web has published a great look at the whole iPhone vs Android topic. Even better is that they hit on some topics that I haven’t really talked about yet:
- Upgrade Cycle – When a new Android phone comes out, I easily have the ability to upgrade. iPhone 3Gs users have had the same phone with essentially the same capabilities since its release. Within that same period, a multitude of Android phones has been released, each boasting new and improved specs and features. Essentially, it’s all about freedom. If you prefer being locked into a contract-based, 2 year upgrade cycle, then more power to you.
- Open Services – I’m going to actually hand it to Apple here. Jobs was all enthusiastic about his video chat program FaceTime, yesterday. The biggest bonus to non-iUsers is that he said it would be an open industry standard. Normally, this means that it will eventually be available for other platforms, but we’ll see if that actually happens. Until then, you’re stuck using it iPhone4 to iPhone 4 and wifi only
. - Carrier Choice – Everyone expected Apple to announce carrier options at WWDC, well that didn’t happen. With AT&Ts service having the worst customer service, it’s not shocking that people are ready to jump the iShip and switch to a better carrier.
- App Innovation – While I’m not sure how the Android Market will survive without the Farmville App, this is where more people start complaining. “The App Store is crippling, at best. It’s crushing, at worst.” Says Brad McCarty, author of the article. This isn’t just about having porn on your phone, but it’s about apps that can really flex the muscles of what your phone can do. Does your app kinda sorta do something that a built in iPhone app already does? WTF WERE YOU THINKING!? How dare you infringe on Apple’s ideas. Your app gets the boot. Just today I wrote about how there’s a great new app from Vlingo that improves upon the Android’s built-in voice control features. Such a thing would not fly with Apple.
- iPod Touch – Now this is where I disagree with Brad. He goes on to say that he prefers to have a dedicated device for gaming and music. That’s why he bought an iPod Touch (he says). In my eyes, when I go to the gym, ride on public transportation, or go mountain biking, I want as few devices with me as possible. If my phone has the ability to store my music and will play it back for me, you can bet I’m going to use it as such. Ever since I got a phone that has the ability to hold a few GB’s worth of my music, my 1G (yes that’s first generation kiddies) iPod Nano has been collecting dust. I don’t need my entire 40GB of music with me when I’m on the go. Why would I need 8 days of music, when I’m only going to be out for a few hours? I never really understood that.
So what do all these points mean? Well “different strokes for different folks” is a good summary. Some people will, and always will <3 the iPhone. However, as Android grows larger and larger every day and iPhone customers grow more and more frustrated with AT&T everyday, the tables are turning. Apple’s designs are sleek and sexy, I’ll give them that. I really do enjoy the look of the new iPhone. Now I’m just waiting for somebody to get Android running on it 
[via thenextweb]