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Former Android users....

I was curious to hear from former Android users how you like WP7. Mainly what are your main gripes and what functions did you actually use that are no longer available. Also, are the tradeoffs worth it in the end and what features really *make* swapping worth it. I have loved android for a long time but I'm kind of wanting something new and have liked the wp7 interface from day one. Thanks!
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Here goes:
Mainly what are your main gripes
No apps, and if there are apps they are over priced and crap alternatives to Android versions.
Homebrew is going to cost money.
I know its a phone and should mainly just be a phone, but there is nothing to do on it, I never leave my Android phone alone always playing with something but this I treat it like a nokia 3310 lol.
What functions did you actually use that are no longer available
I don't know what it is but there are some things missing but Mango is looking good but still not as good as Android and Ice Cream Sandwich will be coming out around the same time.
Are the tradeoffs worth it in the end and what features really *make* swapping worth it.
Only thing that is making me want to swap over is the Xbox Live thing other than that Android is far superior.
I have loved android for a long time but I'm kind of wanting something new and have liked the wp7 interface from day one.
I love Android also and also wanted to try something new but Windows Phone 7 isn't something new. Stick with Android and Launcher7 lol ^^

I think I'm fine with paying for my phone to be unlocked personally, one time fee for the latest beta builds forever? Honestly I don't know why HTC Samsung and Motorola aren't looking into this for android devices so they can make some extra $ and make us impatient (or reasonable people that don't like waiting for their craptastic skins) people happy.
I don't care much for Xbox live like I use to but I definitely like Zune pass (really its probably the top single feature that has me wanting wp7 as I use my phone for music a lot).
I love android but honestly, I'm tired of trying to throw on custom ROMs (its fun but tiring) on every phone I get trying to keep up with the updates. I think the only thing that is holding me to android at this point is the ability to wifi tether my phone to my tablet and the fact that mango phones are on their way (fall is only 2-3 months away so announcements should be made soon?)
So guys, is there some feature that I am missing that you really either miss from android or you really like that wp7 had when you made the swap?
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i switched from my old Desire Z and X8 (both of em are still in use sometimes) to a 7 Pro.
so in my own personal opinion, a small "comparision":
1. UI & Customization
I like the UI of WP7 alot more, you can use Launcher7 on Android but it doesn't feel as good. Its smoother and a lot faster, mostly due to inability of "customization" but i really don't miss it. The tile system works surprisingly well, and yeah i don't have a lot to complain about.
No wallpapers, no app launchers etc. It's a locked phone pretty much. If you don't mind, well just don't care
If you want customization stay with Android, else both of em are good in their own ways -> personal preference.
2. Apps
For most people an important point. If you compare Android market to WP7 market, WP7 looses.. big time!
You are charged for almost every app (and a good bunch of em are overpriced!). While free apps, and sometimes test versions of the paid apps are good enough, its still nothing in comparision to Android.
If you want specific apps, check prices first! (i'd recommend it before buying the phone )
There are some social features integrated into WP7 but at the moment (Pre-Mango for me still), they aren't complete. The replacements for those features are at best mediocore, sometimes they shut off randomly etc. There might be some better apps for those, but since i don't use em very much, i havent searched for them.
Otherwise the quality of the apps and games i downloaded is really good, though some of em are missing. As i said, check before you buy the phone, if you didnt already.
3. Features:
Well again the points goes to Android. Bluetooth File Transfer, Tethering and stuff like that, you won't find it on any current WP7 phone (unless you are a Mango user, but i don't know if they implement some of those features). If you need it, well i wouldn't recommend buying a WP7 as of now.
Other than that, i don't really miss any important ones.
4. Final Thoughts:
Since i don't have the WP7 for too long forgive me if i missed or overexaggerated on somethings.
In the end i think, WP7 is a real good OS. While locked down very hard, it just works (just like the hated Apple). While it does feel kind of inferioer to Android (due to the lack of some importants features mostly), it really isn't. There are workarounds for everything, though they are complicated sometimes
With Mango.. well no, even now in MY opinion (which means only for my needs etc), i equal WP7 to Android. While i still use my Androids sometimes (mainly for tethering etc), i often see myself not missing those phones.
I'd recommend WP7 everytime, as well as Android. Just get some information on both, maybe if your friends have said phones, compare them ( or go to the store and do the same).
In the end it comes down to one's need and preference
If you want, you could wait for Mango devices. Though i guess they won't up the hardware too much, maybe add some features like Front Facing Camera and stuff like that, but that's it.
I hope i could help some

BartJJ said:
I was curious to hear from former Android users how you like WP7. Mainly what are your main gripes and what functions did you actually use that are no longer available. Also, are the tradeoffs worth it in the end and what features really *make* swapping worth it. I have loved android for a long time but I'm kind of wanting something new and have liked the wp7 interface from day one. Thanks!
Sent from my ThunderBolt using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This entire WP7 OS is simply beautiful and fluid. Rather than 95% of all other android devices, all WP7s are completely lag free while still having a very attractive and intuitive interface. I have 28k apps at my disposal and that means one for everything I would want. The WP7 community here is amazing and hacking / development itself isn't fragmented. I've owned 3 android devices and 2 iOS devices in the past and I'm honestly never looking back.

Android too me seems very slow and inconsistent. Running a Samsung Galaxy I often find when the thing lags, it lags to the extreme. The whole app-store mechanism I find a mess, especially because to much power is given to the app developers. More often then not, they abuse these powers which destroys your battery life.
I like the way WP7 is headed, and I like what Microsoft is doing to keep it a reliable platform. What I don't like however, is the update-procedure as it's very poorly performed. I'm not blaming any company in particular, but I do think updates needs to rolled out faster. Why do ISPs have to test every minor update?
Other then that, the WP7 UI is far superior, and app support is coming along well now. We just need a major bump and hopefully Nokia will spark this? I'm looking forward to purchasing a 2nd gen phone, namely a Nokia.

I went from iphone 3gs to blackberry torch to palm pre 2 to samsung focus to atrix 4g to iphone 4 and back to samsung focus and i love it.
The largest difference to me is that WP7 lacks customization. With android you will hardly ever find 2 phones that have the same ui and settings. All windows phones home screens look the same. I am ok w/ lack of apps. Honestly there is pretty much something for everything already. What would make me happy and never go back to android is being able to personalize the home screen. Maybe some transparent tiles and a wallpaper background for homescreen. that would be awesome.

I'll try to keep this succinct. I had an Evo 4G for the last year, then switched to an HTC Arrive a couple days ago.
Like:
-Most of the apps I used on Android are available on WP7
-As a Zune Pass subscriber, having that ecosystem on my phone is awesome
-It feels like for tasks I do often, I can do all of those tasks in a lot less time than it took on Android
-I primarily develop in .NET, so the dev tools are way friendlier to me than Android's.
Dislike:
-WP7 doesn't have anything that comes close to the awesomeness of Google Navigation
-I'm pretty heavily into the Google Voice ecosystem. Losing the tight integration there is annoying.
-As a Zune Pass subscriber, the lack of expandable storage is agonizing. I can never completely get rid of my Zune HD because it's still the device I have to go to if I want access to all of my music/podcasts.
-The Amazon Android App Market's free app of the day has spoiled me so badly on the pricing race-to-the-bottom front that I am finding it very hard to convince myself to buy any of the games on WP7.
Overall, I am having a good time so far. There is some functionality I am missing, but nothing that I'd consider a showstopper. I still have my Evo 4G, so I might end up switching between the two devices every couple months or so.

I just switched from a samsung mesmerize to a HTC TP7.
My first impression was WOW. I instantly liked the tp7. it's more responsive, it's faster, i can do stuff faster, and everything loads faster. Typing on the screen is more accurate and fixes my screw ups better.
As for apps, the android market has tons more, but in my experience 99.99999% of them are completely and totally useless and the ones that aren't useless i found to be lacking. There were a few that were good, but not many. So far the ones i've tried on WP7 actually seem to be of decent quality and i can find an app for everything i need so far. Some are still obviously in the early stages and need some more features but the app feels higher quality. Of course the windows marketplace has it's share of fart, burp and police light apps. (who downloads these stupid things?)
My ONLY complaint so far is the fact i can't do custom colors on the tiles. the stock colors frankly suck. I tried unlocking the phone and chevron doesn't find the phone at all so i'm wondering if this phone just isn't unlockable with that method. Not being able to do custom tile colors just seems like an obvious omission that should have been fixed allready.
Other than that i like this phone MUCH better, it's faster and doesn't hiccup as much as android did. The loss of customization sucks a bit but honestly, who really cares. I'd rather have the phone work well than be able to customize the wallpaper. The tile color though is killing me.

lots of very good points expressed already, and I agree with most.
However: wm6.5 was far superior to my android in all the little area's that I liked / wanted to tweak... which left me disappointed when I switched to android and frustrated with the infancy of the android based os / app wanting some of the simple things that I was used to on wm6.5.
Then I jump back to windows mobile (thinking it will be great to reg edit again) only to find... tile overlay with no access to the good stuff, and on top of that extremely limited in more ways than android... apps (android copycat) extremely limited and very high priced... I never needed apps to do what I wanted. windows already had it, I just needed to turn it on or off and or tweak it the way I wanted it. customize to no end.
Now I really like the smooth integrated feel, and I took a step down in hardware just to get the operating system. I am back to hacking a android wanna be like device just to get to the meat of the phone, so I can use the power of wm7. I think...

Morrisme said:
Now I really like the smooth integrated feel, and I took a step down in hardware just to get the operating system. I am back to hacking a android wanna be like device just to get to the meat of the phone, so I can use the power of wm7. I think...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's WP7 !

I think all we have to do is to wait a bit. My only problem is, that the application store is pretty empty(and overpriced), but hopefully it's gonna change.
What I see is, that Microsoft tries to copy Apple in terms of system optimisation, and simplicity, and so far I say it's successful.
I hope once the marketplace will be flooded with applications, there will be a serious filter on what apps they allow, and what they don't. The main criteria of selling on marketplace should be to have a perfectly smooth application on every windows based mobile, because what I see now is far away from that. Applications seem to just thrown together for wp7 in a day or 2.
Otherwise coming from android myself, I miss certain apps, or games, or functions, but the other hand I'm impressed by it's UI, and smoothness.
WP7 has potential, but it's time is not yet here. Once a great poet said in youtube comments: "Iphone is the past, Android is the present, WP7 is the future"

I came from evo 4g and I love it I got an arrive. Its so quick. And something no one mentioned battery life is great sure if I game for a while I will need a top off bit other then that a work day is no problem btw my work day is 12 hrs

There are some surprising holes in WP7 which I didn't expect compared to other OS.
1) No common Compass API - it's down to individual hardware manufacturers to supply drivers and they all implement it in a different way. So what works on an LG won't work on a Samsung or HTC. Really hinders the use of maps and star gazing apps etc. This is despite the compass being a mandatory part of MS' hardware spec. So much for MS' tight hardware platform control. And don't think about trying Mango - even if you have the compass working in NoDo it won't in the Mango Beta - and MS say it wont be availible until the OEMs release their final versions. The whole point of a Beta and RTM is so developers can test and adapt their software ready for launch - but with the compass augmented apps (one of the killer features of modern smartphones) they are screwed. We have a common API for GPS, why not Compass?
2) No PIN delay - even the most basic phone that offers Exchange support allows a configurable delay before the phone is PIN locked, or respects the delay imposed by an Exchange security policy. Everytime my screen goes off - I have to enter an 8 character password - despite the Exchange policy allowing a max 20 minute delay. Is this fixed in mango? Is this how MS works with MS?
..and relax...

what is so good about iphones?

a lot of people I know have iphones. personally I like my android much better.
first off it's 4g, apple is 3g.
iphone screen is still the same. smaller compared to my LG.
iphone's don't have quick search buttons. aka the 4 buttons on all android smartphones. I can't stand having to use the 1 button and it only takes you back to the home screen.

Grabs popcorn....
Sorry but your thread will be jacked by trolls. I can think of at least one.
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Hi what I find so good about iPhones are the vast amount of apps compared to Android and that the iOS app store actually has quality control. But I bought my Android phone (Acer Liquid Metal) for a few reasons:
It's a crapload cheaper
Developer accounts only cost $25 compared to Apples ridiculous $99 a year.
I ask developers to put the droids first
More freedom
So yeah droids are better but more apps would be nice.

- the build and body of iphone 4 is one of the best
- os is super smooth
- lots of applications and games
- no need to root / flash custom roms

Price

Iphones:
Easy to use - so easy, even a techno-phobic idiot can use them.
Excellent Marketing Strategies & Advertising saturation.
Lots of awesome capabilities .... stolen from android

I'm guessing because they were the first smartphone and they look neat?

what do you mean you don't have to root iphones?
my lg optimus is very smooth. I got it in october. I see no difference using my friends brand new iphone 4.
iphone has a few cool apps for guitar players like myself and android doesn't have them. other than that, tell me what the android market doesn't have? android market seems great and has a good layout.
how is iphone easier to navigate at all? It has ONE button. my android lg has 4. I can easily search, get to settings, go to home screen, or go back.
iphone you have to click on the screen just to go back or pressing the button takes you to home. there is no search and no easy access to settings.

SavocaFTW said:
I'm guessing because they were the first smartphone and they look neat?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
weren't windows and nokia the first smartphones. wasn't iphone 2007?

Personally I have 2 things on my mind about iPhones: smoothness and quick. I don't know what's inside iOS, but their os is very smooth and quick. Maybe ram management or something, but really, I have never met a single lag on it. Yes there is one on jailbroken iOS 5, but it's because of the jailbreak itself.
Sent from my X8 using XDA App

SavocaFTW said:
I'm guessing because they were the first smartphone and they look neat?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're a troll or a moron or both
debro78 said:
Iphones:
Easy to use - so easy, even a techno-phobic idiot can use them.
Excellent Marketing Strategies & Advertising saturation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Point 1 is not an advantage over Android. Both have a similar learning curve for basic functions. (Although apparently Apple has now gotten rid of mandatory synching with itunes before first use which is a plus)
It is also a myth propogated by your 2nd point which itself is not an advantage to the average user. (it may be an advantage to a ifan as it gives them more BS to go on about)

Help me make an expensive decision, XDA. (Nexus 4 v. iPhone 5)

Note to Mods: If this is in the wrong section, I truly am sorry, I just don't know where else this can go.
A note to peasants like me: LEAVE ALL YOUR BIAS BEHIND. Please make good argumentative points, don't just baselesly bash everyone who doesn't think like you. Also, don't just say "uhuh that sukz jst bcuz wow l00zer n00b ur mum" to back up your points.
Thanks.
Ok, now that that's out of the way, on to the elephant in the room:
I'm considering buying an unlocked phone to use for Tmo or Att prepaid plans here in the US. I'm seriously considering the iPhone 5, and the Nexus 4, or a considerably similar phone.
I want you(the community) to help me decide by making some points and just helping me out. This is a big decision and I trust you guys at XDA will help me make the correct decision.
Reasons why I'm considering the iPhone 5:
-Apps developed here almost always before Android, and usually run better on iOS than on Android (Temple Run, Instagram, etc.)
-Some apps exclusive to iOS, like Quizlet (This is a HUGE point, being that my main "studdy buddy" is Quizlet since StudyBlue has a garbage Android app.) (Also, in apps like Flipboard, certain channels blocked to
-iMessage: a lot, and I mean A LOT of my buddies own iPhones, I miss out on a lot of iMessage stuff.
-System-wide color Emoji support (this is the stupidest reason, this shouldn't even be a reason, but whatever)
-Better and much broader range of cases available(LifeProof is a huge bonus, as is Otterbox, etc.)
-Screen looks really nice (even though it's somewhat of a downgrade)
-Notification Center for the lock screen is GREAT imho.
-Find my iPhone and other services already baked in, rather than a standalone app
-Solid construction
Reasons why I'm considering the Nexus 4/Comparable devices
-Google Now
-Ability to make programs default programs, unlike iOS
-Customization
-Swappable keyboards
-Google Maps
-Already have a considerable amount of money (~$15) bought in Play Store stuff that I'd have to rebuy on App Store, plus the money in my Play Store account from credit for buying a Nexus 7 (~$20 left)
If I went the iPhone way, I'd make a complete switch, which means get rid of my N7, which I currently use for college, and replace it with an iPad, which I've heard is better for college.
So, XDA, can you help me make an educated and very expensive decision? Thanks. I'll be monitoring this thread

contract or locked for the iphone? personally i'd go with a nexus for the fact that it's unlocked at a great price, albeit not as great as a contracted phone. also depends if you love to flash or leave it out of the box? iphone only wins for ditching the glass on glass concept

nyamoV2 said:
contract or locked for the iphone? personally i'd go with a nexus for the fact that it's unlocked at a great price, albeit not as great as a contracted phone. also depends if you love to flash or leave it out of the box? iphone only wins for ditching the glass on glass concept
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both would be unlocked. I like flashing new ROMs, but I'll usually wait until they're relatively stable or at least until basic necessities begin to work.

Depends , on what you like to do... But why do you say that is a downgrade the ip5 display, it has the most accurate colors....
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app

z0mg hwo cud u menshun appul produks on xda zomg u shud b kikband :laugh:
For the iphone: it works, good battery life, the newer versions of siri are pretty much tied with google now (whereas the older version was easily beat by google now), and most importantly, it works! (did I mention it works yet? well, it works). Apps tend to run better, and it just feels smoother. I hate to give it to apple, but I have never found an android phone with hardware as nicely done as on an iphone. The con is that it's extremely limited, and I don't like the UI.
nexus 4: just look through the XDA development forums. Then look back at that iphone...need I say more? :good:
added to that, I prefer the UI and the greater amount of customization. Also more great apps are free for android than on Iphone (or at least the ones I tend to use). Overall I feel that an android can do more easier than iphone can, provided you set things up right. I'm mostly looking at the homescreen, but also the settings menu, etc.
So obviously I'm biased towards an android, but I think an iphone has plenty of advantages as well.

Well, I'm sure you'll be told to go to the device recommendation thread - but I might as well post since I have nothing better to do and it's not locked yet.
I've had Apple devices before and have nothing against them. I bought a MacBook a few years back because it was the best choice for me at the time. I've since gotten rid of the "laptop" part of my device collection and use Linux and an Android tablet + phone. I considered the iPhone when I was shopping.
Personally, I do not like where the iPhone is at right now, that's one of the reasons I didn't go with it. I think Apple really needs to "re-think" iOS and do something perhaps like Samsung has with "Simple" and "Basic" modes for the UI - so that they can get to creating something more than a glorified App Drawer. It's an eyesore to me, and though I appreciate that it's familiar to many people, I don't think it's even the easiest configuration to use for new tech users.
I don't really know why an iPad would be better for "college" - I'm going to college right now and have seen people use both Apple and Android tablets. I think the Transformer series from ASUS is the most "college friendly" type of tablet, but I guess it depends on what you're trying to do with it.
If you can't tell, I love learning and playing around with the stuff I have. Android is a better playground for this than iOS which doesn't exactly encourage it. They like to cultivate their system to a high level, but I prefer being able to experiment even if it's possible the outcome will suck.
It really depends on what's important to YOU. I ended up choosing the SIII because I wanted a removable battery and micro SD card and Apple just didn't offer this no matter what. That's what I wanted and what was the "deal maker" for me. I also like that there's so much customisation without having to void the warranty. I can make this the phone I want - the UI is very important for me and while I don't mind OSX (although Ubuntu has done for the general OS look what OSX really ought to do) on a computer, I'm really not a fan of iOS - I feel like Apple's technology and ideas are great, but their software and design aesthetic are lagging - like if Windows 8 hadn't moved on and instead decided to keep the Win98 look so people would be "more comfortable". Because I wanted the removable battery + SD card, that would rule out the N4 for me, too. Personally, I'd still go for the SIII or wait for the IV.
I'm on T-Mobile, I switched from Sprint. I love the service, though I've heard it's not so great on an iPhone. I'd consider the plans and your area and what kind of service there is, too. I have 4G towers all over the city where my school is and get very fast speeds all over campus. But T-Mobile isn't everywhere and I think there are speed issues with the iPhone although if they're getting one, maybe they're changing things ? I don't know, since I'm not in the market for a new phone I haven't looked into this.

i would never suggest to go for a iphone for a simple reason of the difficulty in sharing media over bluetooth. I share a lot of stuff with my friends over bluetooth specially music which is not possible on iphone. i am unsure if the lates iphone 5 has these limitations removed or not. Maybe you could share via whatsapp or other messenger but there are times when there is no network coverage and you want to share stuff and thats when you need bluetooth.

This is well worth watching if you've haven't already, made a similar decision for me quite simple..
...If you like to customize, theme whatever then Get the Nexus, if you want a Phone that does what it says on the tin, and nothing more, get the iPhone.

Nexus 4 for me... Iphone 5 have a lot of problems...

Please ask such questions in the device suggestion thread.
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What Do You Want To See in Android 4.3/5.0 ?

There are probably a few other threads like this, but I didn't really see any so I decided to start this one. Just to make it clear, these things are purely a wishlist, not rumors, and some of these things aren't even to be expected. Just purely for wishful thinking and conversation.
I'll start with the things that bother me most about Jelly Bean.
- Better Multi-Tasking & App Integration: If you're coming from iOS, then what we have is probably easy to live with, but its buggy. For instance, apps seem to get "confused" on what's really opened where. For instance, if I share a picture to Instagram from the gallery or Dropbox, and i go home afterwards, opening the respective app will bring me to Instagram, and opening Instagram will bring me somewhere completely different inside off Instagram. It's like Instagram is running twice. What Google needs to work on is actually having Android switch apps, instead of opening it inside of the other one.
- Rotation: I'm surprised I've never seen this posted anywhere else, but if you use an iOS device and you rotate it, the transition from portrait to landscape (or vice versa) is smooth. extremely smooth. don't give me wrong, Android rotates smoothly too, but the transition doesn't "connect" . Because what Android does is rotate the whole operating system (think of rotating a windows pc), whereas iOS rotates just the UI. The operating system itself doesn't seem to rotate. Ex: If you watched a YouTube video on an iOS device in landscape, when it's over or you go back, the landscape video just slides away with the app in portrait "behind" it. If you've seen it before you'd know what I mean. Android should do this also. Instead of rotating the whole OS, just have the UI rotate.
- Update Fragmentation: This issue will probably never be resolved, because google has almost no say so in what manufactures do with android, but 4.2 is out right? So why are 4.1 devices still shipping? Android has a nav bar now right? So why are devices still shipping with capacitive buttons and menu keys? This is why some devs haven't implemented the 3 dot overflow button in some apps I suppose. Also manufactures are abandoning devices that are still capable of running the latest versions of Android. For instance, the HTC Desire Z (T-Mobile G2) , HTC Desire HD (AT&T Inspire 4G) , and the Galaxy S 1 (which was basically a Nexus S) should've all been updated to AT LEAST 4.0. The updates for the S1 should have stopped when the Nexus S stopped receiving updates actually.
- Skins / OEM UI's - Another issue that will probably never be resolved. Skins were completely understandable up until 4.0 in terms of looks. Android is now a pretty good looking OS and doesn't need a skin. Also, if google were to implement most of the CM features, manufactures wouldn't even need to add features. (If it were up to me, all phones would come with CM, lol.) Also, why they choose to replace built in applications that are never updated is beyond me. If everyone kept the skinning to a minimum, we could have timely updates.
App Unification: I've seen this one so many times. Apps like Google Voice/Messenger/G Mail/ Etc. are all separate apps, but preform the same action, or somehow work together. Much like Google Earth, Maps, and Street View. Why not combine all of the similar apps, and save space and confusion.
Responsiveness / Smoothness: I'm gonna keep this one short, because Android gets better and better with each update, but it could be better. Swipe your finger across something like a webpage quickly and watch it follow behind your finger, whereas on other OS's the page will "stick" to your finger.
The "Back" Button: Something I'm sure we all get confused by at least twice a day. It's supposed to bring us to the previous screen until we get to the home screen, but at times, it'll take you places in apps you've never been, skips screens you've been too, etc. Basically, only half of the time it works at advertised.
Auto Brightness Calibration: Everyone's preferences for auto brightness is different, so why not be able to adjust how bright or dim you want it to be?
There are more things that I'd like to see in android, but at the moment this is all i can think about. Feel free to reply saying something you'd like to see in Android 4.3 / 5.

x2 battery performance > it's enough for me now

Some nice suggestions, but yeah Android needs a culture change where a phone continues to receive updates up until the updates surpass the phones capabilities. It sucks to see good phones left behind, I do understand the custom ROM argument but for everyone this isn't ideal
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Excellent background process contro that should not eat too much battery easily and touchscreen responsiveness this is the only thing i expect currently.

Everything sounds pretty good except the on screen keys. No thanks.
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I think the best way to solve the OEM issue is for samsung, htc, and other manufacturers to make apps which are independent of any framework so that it can be easily updated to the latest android because porting an app is easier than a whole framework

Increase the battery by 10
Sent from my ST25i using xda app-developers app

They need to get rid of the slow and bloated java garbage in the core system apps. Google spouts about optimizing this and streamlining that to improve performance. They prelink the core libraries to further improve performance. And then they go and use a crappy, slow virtual machine language for most of the system.
Java is fine for apps in the app store for developers that dont know c/c++. It should not be used as extensively in the core of android as it is.

gianptune said:
They need to get rid of the slow and bloated java garbage in the core system apps. Google spouts about optimizing this and streamlining that to improve performance. They prelink the core libraries to further improve performance. And then they go and use a crappy, slow virtual machine language for most of the system.
Java is fine for apps in the app store for developers that dont know c/c++. It should not be used as extensively in the core of android as it is.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You sound like you hate android lol
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I can't think of anything because I fail at imagination so ill just say things I want from skinned androids that should be added to stock.
1. Smart dialer. Pressing numbers should look up contacts like t9.
2. Battery percentage in status bar. I don't know if this is due to patents that aapl has but Samsung and lg get away with having it.
3. Able to remove home screens. I only use 4-5 and I want the ability to remove the rest like every oem skin.
4. Power saver. Battery life is very important and android needs a way to make it last longer.
5. Facebook contact sync. Not sure why this is not allowed on stock Android.
These are my top 5. As for something new I would like them to improve on giving apps permission. I think every app should ask you when you first start it if it can be allowed to use your gps and if it can be allowed to send push notifications. It's the only thing I like on ios and it'll help with a lot of notification spam.
Also, why does the new gmaps look better on ios than on android. That's not acceptable.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app

My biggest problem is the update process of 3rd party android manufacturers. Android 4.2 has been out for a couple months yet my Galaxy SII was only recently updated to 4.1. I know it is more than capable of running 4.2 as I'm running aokp/cm10.1 right now so I'm wondering why? Even the SIII is still on 4.1 and if a couple of guys (aokp/cm10.1/paranoid android) could port within a month or two then why can't major companies who have hundreds of employees. Just look at what the paranoid android team has accomplished with P. A. 3.0 it's like a new version of android, all done within a few months. That said, I like to have the latest updates on my phone so with this being my first Android phone, I think I might bypass anything that isn't a nexus. Google or somebody needs to put their foot down
Phone: Galaxy SII
ROM: Rootbox (Latest)
KERNEL: Dorimanx (Latest)
Modem: LPS

Yeh. I definitely have to agree with the touchscreen's responsiveness. Aside from that, battery performance really needs to be optimized.
sent from a slurpee machine.

I've never understood why everyone wants oem skins to go away. If that happened every phone would be the same so there would be no incentive for say Samsung or HTC to even make phones. The skins are what makes android. Why would I buy a nexus versus a HTC pure android phone?
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2

I think from now android should work on its AI and Virtual Memory to makes itself so smooth and powerful !
i saw a video clip that compare 2 powerful cellphone Galaxy S III and IPhone 5
in first look Galaxy S III has 4 core and IPhone has only 2 but IPhone is powerful enough to defeat its opponent !
Why ? there's one , only one reason to say the IPhone is too powerful and it's its OS !
IOS is very powerful than android !
if u don't satisfy just go and do a search about it !
i want android to work on it's AI !!

I realize this is stupid but...
With the androidx86 project (that I think is KILLER!!!) I'd like to see them either implement desktop support or do things that would entice more people to get involved. How bad ass would x86 running and then being able to use your phone as a second screen be? Or as remote access? And since they are both natively running (relatively speaking) it would be a real remote desktop as compared to jittery/almost remote desktop on a phone.

ARPwizard said:
Everything sounds pretty good except the on screen keys. No thanks.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
the thing about them though, is they're future proof in a way. look how the menu key is becoming obsolete, but it's still going to be on certain devices no matter what.
EvolutionXIII said:
My biggest problem is the update process of 3rd party android manufacturers. Android 4.2 has been out for a couple months yet my Galaxy SII was only recently updated to 4.1. I know it is more than capable of running 4.2 as I'm running aokp/cm10.1 right now so I'm wondering why? Even the SIII is still on 4.1 and if a couple of guys (aokp/cm10.1/paranoid android) could port within a month or two then why can't major companies who have hundreds of employees. Just look at what the paranoid android team has accomplished with P. A. 3.0 it's like a new version of android, all done within a few months. That said, I like to have the latest updates on my phone so with this being my first Android phone, I think I might bypass anything that isn't a nexus. Google or somebody needs to put their foot down
Phone: Galaxy SII
ROM: Rootbox (Latest)
KERNEL: Dorimanx (Latest)
Modem: LPS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
imho, i think manufactures want to release their new flagship with the newest OS to attract customers (which is really doesn't) . our devs here shows what can be done. with a whole team like HTC/Samsung/Etc has, we should all see updates within a month or less. devs can do it on their own, so why can't they?
YoungCorruptionV2.0 said:
I've never understood why everyone wants oem skins to go away. If that happened every phone would be the same so there would be no incentive for say Samsung or HTC to even make phones. The skins are what makes android. Why would I buy a nexus versus a HTC pure android phone?
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
i like skins, don't get me wrong. i have a note ii, and i miss sense daily. they just over do it sometimes. i personally get very annoyed by touchwiz, and you have much more freedom on AOSP. i think apps should just be backward compatible all around.

You say the you would like to see the back button "fixed". I have never got why people always say this. For me anyway, the back button has always performed how I would expect (take me back to the previous screen). Don't get me wrong, android has plenty of flaws, but I don't think this is one of them.
Sent from my YP-G1 running R.E.D.D

iJimaniac said:
You say the you would like to see the back button "fixed". I have never got why people always say this. For me anyway, the back button has always performed how I would expect (take me back to the previous screen). Don't get me wrong, android has plenty of flaws, but I don't think this is one of them.
Sent from my YP-G1 running R.E.D.D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it works for the most part, but it glitches occasionally.

MadManMark said:
Some nice suggestions, but yeah Android needs a culture change where a phone continues to receive updates up until the updates surpass the phones capabilities. It sucks to see good phones left behind, I do understand the custom ROM argument but for everyone this isn't ideal
Sent from my GT-P3110 using xda app-developers app
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One of the biggest reasons I only stick with Google backed Android devices (Nexus 4, Galaxy Nexus, etc.). It's the device manufacturers and the phone companies that hold up the updates. I've heard numbers where HTC can get the update out 3-4 months after Google releases it, but Verizon could add another 6 months to that timeline. Not quite sure what the exact reasons are for the delay =(

Considering some of the Google Now features, I'd love to see Google buy/license Tasker so that it becomes and integrated part of Android, at least for some key items:
WIFI, GPS, Ringer settings, Sync settings, etc. Those features would be amazing.
It would also be great if I could say: "Turn on WIFI/GPS/Autobrightness, Sync Calendar, Turn off ringer, etc" while in Google Now and have the action executed.

[Q] The typical question: Android or iOS.

Hey everyone!
First of all, I am new here. I joined with the vision of getting my question answered, but then i fell over some other threads, and found this forum exciting. So i might stick around for awhile.
*Excuse me if i posted this the wrong place*
Brief:
I currently am in the situation where.. Yes, I am sick of my iPhone.
It's a GREAT phone! It's fast, stylish, and durable (atleast so far!).
But i miss the lack of customization.
Untill last december, i've had android phones. However, back then they were slow. The fastest one I've had, was a Galaxy S II. It was fast back then, but when i use my friend's now, it's so laggy and edgy.
I am really considering getting an Android. But there's a few things holding me back..
iPhone
+ I have an iPhone 5. It's fast.
+ My iPhone 5 is stylish.
+ I have 2 MacBook Pro's, an iMac, Apple TV, iPod and an iPad. So i fear the communication between Android and them.
+ The applications. I personally find Appstore filled with higher-of-quality applications.
+ iCloud. It stores my contacts and stuff. But Android's got an alternative for that tho.
+ iMessage. I love being able to chat from my macbook to iPhones, without confuse. And fast iPhone-to-iPhone chat without the recievant have to download specific software.
+ Reputation. Call me childish, but i just find it "cooler" to have an iPhone..
- Screensize. God it's starting to annoy me. I like having a big badass phone.
- Features. I personally think that the iPhone 5 lacks features.
+/- Jailbreak. Jailbreaking the iPhone gives it alot of awesome features! But having the need to jailbreak it, sucks. Also it makes it impossible to update to the newest immediately. Also yet jailbroken, the system is still very limited. Also it takes a lot of time for it to come out. I haven't had my phone jailbroken for 8 months.
Android
++ CUSTOMIZATION!
++ The freedom to do basically what you want with the phone.
+ Screensize; I find the iPhone 5 screen a tat too small. I miss a bigger size phone, eg the Galaxy S II.
- I fear the speed? Will they be as snappy as i am used to on my iPhone?
- Durability. I remember the old Android phones went slow in just a few weeks due to cache's and stuff. How does that seem now?
+ Features. I think that most Android phones have got some very interesting features. Eg: One Blink Feed, Note 3 S-Pen, S3/4 eye-motion detector.
+ No-jailbreak. Altho Android have the ability to get rooted, it's not necessary (unless you want flashed ROM's). I find that great for my needs, since i love customizing and changing my homescreen-layout / phone functionality on a day-to-day basis. Also iPhone jailbreaks takes a lot of time to come out.
I am very unsure of what to do. It's very hard!
I really like my iPhone, but i miss the lack of customization.
My heart tells me to keep my iPhone, but my brain and inner-geek tells me to go fetch an android.
If it was up to me, i'd have both. But i don't have the money to get a new Android and keep my iPhone. Then i will have to sell my iPhone first.
Could you guys possible give me some aspects and viewpoints on this? I am open for critiques, since i am not coloured of "what's better or worse". I just want personal views.
Also, have anyone gone from iPhone 5 to Android? And did you regret it? (Which i am afraid that i MAYBE will).
And if you advice me to get an Android: Which one?
Thanks in advance!

Welcome at the XDA forums my friend!
From what I think, iOS is child's play in comparison to Android.
Howell iPhones are indeed fast, stylish, etc, the OS won't ever give you control of things.
Apple has it's stuff working together well and so, but the price ofcourse, is to it.
Going through your points, you can make yourself a conclusion, this is just my view on things:
Speed
Android can be as fast as you want it to be, only if you are willing to spend the money on it which you would've spend on an iPhone. Also, making tweaks or changes to your system (You're on XDA anyway) helps greatly in this process.
Keep in mind that Apple has only few devices to optimize their system for, while Android is changed to work on a specific device.
Sync
I have to agree here that Apple has the syncs sorted out better. On Android this is a bit messier, but still working very well when you've got everything up and running. The main reason for this, is that Android is existing more and more out of fragments rather than a fullyfixed system.
Apps
Ofcourse the Appstore is filled with way more quality apps; Apple doesn't allow all Apps to there store. It's part of their policy. Where Google only removes apps from their Store, Apple only allows apps to their store.
Also I kinda like that Google makes their apps available to iOS, which I've barely seen the other way.
Messaging
iMessage is great, but since a few months, Hangouts has the same features plus more! And best of it, it's nearly standard packed (older devices will have to update Talk) with the system.
Durability
Android phones are in my opinion better in getting a new life than iOS phones. Ensurely when you're rooted/unlocked. Phones that have been all forgotten about by their manufacturers (also Apple does this) can still be up to date and smooth thanks to the great devs around. It may take some bravery, but that's completely on to yourself.
The other points not covered by these are more subjective I think.
Like I said, take your own conclusions from this and let me hear what it'll be!

Makes sense
Thanks for your reply!
Your aspects makes sense. Especially with the price thing.
Apple's expensive, and one option-only. (okay, 5c too)
Where Android phones in the same price scale, will top at quad core with double the speeds. RAM too.
What phone would you suggest i get then? In Denmark the variety of sold phones is limited.
You can see them here www . telenor . dk / privat / mobil /
(i cannot post URL's yet)

Android all the way. With the customizations and the community you can't go wrong.

iPhone: good camera, fast, decent battery life
Android: everything else
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app

android - viruses and lots of apps
iOS - nice phone