July 10, 2014
Apple and Google have both unveiled their upcoming mobile operating systems; iOS 8 and Android L respectively. Both these rival platforms are set for public release this Fall. In this post, we bring you a pre-release comparison of the OS’, in order to find out which one of these would stand out as a clear winner in the mobile market and
Design
The general design of iOS 8 has not changed much from its immediate predecessor, iOS 7. The latter was, in fact, the version which came up with major design and UI changes. The most noticeable aspect of iOS 8, though, is its ‘flat’, minimalistic design, which does away with all unnecessary frills.
Android L, on the other hand, presents major changes to the design we have been familiar with so far. The new ‘Material Design’ introduced with this OS brings an elegant look to the UI, also adding more depth, shadow work and brilliant color. Animations and touch feedback have been enhanced, thereby lending a smoother, more flexible and more responsive feel to the UI.
Features
Both Apple and Google have introduced a host of features in their respective OS upgrades. Let us now compare the major features and functionality of both the systems:
- Notifications
Notifications in iOS 8 are more interactive and users can accept calendar invites, set reminders and even reply to text messages, without leaving the app they are currently working with.
While users can swipe to open the relevant app, they cannot dismiss it.
Android L too offered far improved notifications. Users can access them directly on their lockscreen. They will also be arranged in the order of user priority. Users can swipe to dismiss the app and can double tap to open the same.
- Lockscreen
iOS 8 does not bring any change to the lockscreen. Android L, on the other hand, presents a new lockscreen to compatible devices. Users can swipe up to unlock, swipe right to open the dialer or swipe left to open the camera app.
- Processor Power
Apple had brought 64-bit support to iOS 7. This continues with iOS 8 as well. Google, however, introduced compatibility with 64-bit chips, for the first time, with Android L. This addition should result in devices becoming far speedier and more powerful.
- iOS 8: How it Helps with App Store Optimization
- Seamless Integration
iOS 8 offers ‘Handoff’, a feature, which seamlessly integrates compatible devices, thereby letting apps work across a complete range of devices.
While Android L misses out on a similar feature, it unlocks the device if it detects the presence of a compatible device close by, such as a Chromebook, smartphone of tablet. It also sends notifications to all of the paired devices.
- Multitasking
iOS 7 had brought a good deal of multitasking to devices. iOS 8 further improves upon this functionality, thereby making devices more powerful and efficient.
Android L would undoubtedly receive rave reviews for its multi-tasking abilities. This upgrade presents app cards in a carousel, which users can smoothly flow through with a mere swipe of their fingers. Additionally, certain apps have the ability to display multiple cards, based on user priority.
- Security
The best thing about iOS 8 is its much-improved security, thanks to its Touch ID fingerprint sensor. This feature is now built into the iPhone 5S. The company is planning to open up this feature to third-party app developers. If that actually happens, users would probably be able to use Touch ID to access high-security-related apps such as banking apps, payment apps and so on.
Andriod L has introduced a feature whereby the user’s phone will automatically unlock itself; without the need for entering a PIN; if it recognized a paired device such as an Android smartwatch nearby. But for this feature to work, the said device has to be close enough to the user.
- iOS 8: How it is Beneficial for Enterprise
- Battery Life
Apple iOS 8 has nothing new to offer as far as battery life of the device is concerned. Smartphones are infamous for their poor battery life and the same is the case with iPhones.
Google has introduced a new power saving mode with Android L. This helps app developers identify which aspects of their apps are guzzling down the most power. It also helps users assess which apps are using how much of the available power. The company claims that the feature would extend the battery life of the Nexus 5 by 90 minutes.
- Fitness Apps
Both iOS 8 and Android L present useful new health and fitness platforms and apps. While Apple offers the HealthKit, which works with its new Health app; Google has introduced Google Fit for Android. Both these platforms offer developers immense opportunities to work on fitness-related apps.
- CarPlay and Android Auto
Apple released CarPlay along with iOS 7. Android Auto, released alongside Android L is similar. Both services enable users to access and control information such as maps, location, music and other apps directly via their vehicle’s display screen.
iOS 8 vs. Android L for Developers
Both Apple and Google have much to offer to app developers with their respective new mobile OS’. The most remarkable thing about iOS 8 is that it is finally deviating from Apple’s hitherto closed nature and is relaxing its severe restrictions. Apple’s Extensions enable apps to interact with and be interdependent on each other. Additionally, ‘Today Extensions’ offer support for widgets to be placed in the ‘Today’ view of the Notification Center of iOS 8. This support opens up several new vistas for iOS developers.
Google has introduced several new features in Android L, especially keeping app developers in mind. However, Apple may emerge the winner in comparison, as it offers far more new and exciting features to the developer.
Availability
Both iOS 8 and Android L will be available to the public during Fall this year. At the present time, they are both available in beta for app developers to work on. While trying iOS 8 requires you to join the paid Apple’s developer program, the Android L preview is available free of cost.
iOS 8 is compatible with the iPhone 4S, iPad 2 and both generations of the iPad mini. Android L, on the other hand, is compatible only with the Google Nexus 5 and Nexus 7. HTC plans to offer the upgrade to HTC One (M7 and M8) owners within 90 days of its public release. There is yet no information about any other manufacturer supporting the Android upgrade.
In Conclusion
Both iOS 8 and Android L have much to offer to app developers and individual users. While each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, it remains to be seen which one finally emerges the market leader.