Samsung’s unveiling of the new Galaxy Nexus in Hong Kong is significant not just for those who want a new handset, but also for the unveiling of the latest version of Android, known as Ice Cream Sandwich.
At the unveiling, Google and Samsung underlined the close cooperation between the two companies. The Galaxy SII has been the phone of the year for 2011 and has also just been launched in the US this summer.
The latest Android operating system, which will be available to most handsets potentially, will be compared with Apple’s iOS5, since the release of both are so close together.
In bringing Android 4.0 cross platform, meaning it is the same for both tablets and smartphones, it may seem as though they are playing catch up with Apple. The new OS features a new font (Roboto) and new on-screen menu buttons which allow users to go back, Home and to review Recent Apps. There is more of an option for personalising the display on Android 4.0 with users able to resize widgets and choose how much information they can view. In terms of changes in iOS5, the principle new feature is the new notification system, similar to Android’s existing style.
Android continues to play to its strengths, allowing personification of the interface and display, never really a possibility on iOS5 where the most users can usually manage is changing the background and screensaver.
Android 4.0 represents a desire to catch up with web browsing speed and integration with apps, a powerful feature of the iPhone 4S and iOS5. While iOS5 integrates with Twitter and adds the new iMessage feature, Android 4.0 sees more features added to Google Plus, like Hangouts which allows video chat much like FaceTime, but this does mean users need more people to start using Google Plus.
There are more choices of Apps in the Android Market and the new NFC capability will make it easier for Android users to share apps. Voice input and control on Android 4.0, including the apps like Vlingo that are available do not match Siri. Yet the wide range of Google specific apps that come as standard, like a vastly superior Maps, Navigation and Translate are much improved.
iOS5 and the iCloud make updates much easier on Apple devices. Android updates, on anything other than Pure Smartphones, as the Galaxy Nexus will be, can be frustrating.
Android users may have been left frustrated by the excitement and new features unveiled by Apple with the launch of the iPhone 4S and iOS5, but with Android 4.0 they are catching up, and then some.
Thomas writes for Best Mobile Contracts, the UK’s leading mobile phone comparison website and the best place to find Galaxy Nexus deals and iPhone 4S deals.
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich versus iOS 5,
latest technology trends
Oct 21. 2011
Thanks for sharing. I am also trying to study the Android OS 4 whether I will be switching to it or just try Apple’s iOS 5
TechCrates
Oct 22. 2011
Thanks to Thomas for this contribution ….
ElectronicsNews
Oct 22. 2011
I always like apple’s contibution…
international hifu
Oct 22. 2011
Personally, i think that Android will catch up with Apple eventually. But for the moment, Apple is leading the race and i love the new features in iPhone 4S.
Sudarshan
Oct 23. 2011
Thanks Thomas for sharing….I will always prefer Android over iOS….
TechCrates
Oct 23. 2011
Same with me …
Raj
Oct 24. 2011
awesome comparison, although I prefer iOS 5.. it is just more than awesome..
Praveen Kumar
Oct 24. 2011
Wow, interested & Amazing post man, I really appreciate your content this article has really peaks my interest what a great info about android application’s phones, thanks for very useful post.
daily news
Oct 25. 2011
Hi,
I would like to say, this is a very very good post with necessary information.
I like it very much.
Alyssa
Oct 26. 2011
Thanks for posting this great information! I really love visiting here.. Keep posting some more!
Gazelle
Oct 27. 2011
Thanks for sharing this wonderful information, great comparison. But i’d prefer android. =)
Janna
Oct 28. 2011
I would like to say, this is a very very good post with necessary information. Android 4.0 is a more visible change, bringing the futuristic look of Android 3.0 Honeycomb to phones, and adding a huge raft of features besides that, including removing the need for physical buttons. With such big updates to both platforms, the only thing left to do is let them slug it out in a head-to-head battle. Thanks for posting this great information!
TechCrates
Oct 28. 2011
Thanks for stopping by my blog Janna …
Samuel
Aug 24. 2012
I love my droid I have the thunderbolt and love it I had an ipnhoe and I just hated at t ipnhoes are nice for what they do but I think the androids have more potential they would have more potential if all the apps worked with every android but im kinda rambling OH and I love swype it changed my life
Mandeep
Oct 29. 2011
I’m just hoping Google releases the source code for ICS quickly so that the folks at CyanogenMod can cook up a rom for my HTC Inspire. I suspect most older phones will not get a manufacturer sanctioned update to 4.0
Annyka
Nov 05. 2011
Very well said… These are all useful and I thank you for sharing these tips. Please keep it up.
junaid
Nov 12. 2011
Really awesome article and a great comparison.we cannot say who is the best,there is different values for the bot.
Baker
Nov 14. 2011
We know about iOS 5 but w’ll wait for the new iPhone 5 so it could be better than others Android device!!!
mattscradle
Nov 23. 2011
My bet is for android 4.0 but I’m still a fan of iOS5.
Olan
Dec 01. 2011
Ice cream sandwich sounds more delicious than apple so I’m going with the android…
Olan
Jan 04. 2012
Nice matchup…looking forward as to who wins in the end.
Darlene
Jan 12. 2012
I do love android 4.0. Over wide range of innovating inventions that can be helpful to strengths communication applications that can be more faster and smart.
TechCrates
Oct 14. 2012
Just saw the amazing new Android features. Google is improving Android to a new level of open source mobile phone operating system 🙂 Thanks for commenting everybody!