Journal #1

Daniel Lewis 

Journal 1

Oct 4, 2014

English 1000

     The first article I looked into for research was "Apple iOS 8 vs Android 4.5//5.0 Lollipop: Android Should Come Up with Better Tricks." It starts by introducing Apple's new iOS 8 operating system and what Apple intends to do to make their operating system more open. Allowing their OS to function better with developers and users can optimize the full functionality of the phone. An example of this is allowing third-party apps to use the fingerprint sensor. Apple's decision to make their OS more open can create more competition in the market with Android. Android is known for being highly customization and versatile. With Apple loosening its grasp on grasp on customization it makes Android less exclusive, potentially making it more appealing to current Android users. One feature iOS 8 is boasting is interactive notifications. Users can reply to a text message or email without leaving applications. Android had the technology first but Apple promises to make it better. Google's I/O is approaching and will announce features to compete with Apple's promises in iOS 8. 

     This articles has changed my thinking in a few ways. Apple knows they are no longer on top in the mobile world and the article pointed out a few things they are trying differently to come out on top of the market again. Apple has stuck to itself for so long not worrying about what Android was doing that they didn't realize the versatility of Android was a huge selling point. Now that Apple has fell short they are playing catch up. Most of the things they are doing and offering in iOS 8 have been around in android for some time (third-party keyboards are one example). This tech seasons' goal for Apple is to bring versatility to their operating system. Although, not much of what they are doing right now is original it is a pleasant refresh for users stuck on Apple's bandwagon. One thing I realized Apple was doing pretty well was seamlessly combining their mobile OS with Mac software. Transferring documents, pictures and everything else synced to the cloud is very easy. They have also made calling from Macs possible even without your phone around. The conclusion I am at so far is that Android is offering a lot more right now and Apple is trying to replicate things Android has had on the table for quite some time now. Long term iPhone users will enjoy this because it's giving them more customization options and freedom. 

     Some new questions I have for my topic is what does Android have up its sleeve in response to Apple's promises. Are they going to continue making their OS more open or will they just innovate features already incorporated in their OS. Does Android even need to make drastic changes? They're in the lead after all. Should they focus on performance speed and making the android experience seamless across multiple devices like Apple is doing? Googles I/O presentation will be a great place to look to find answers about what Android is planning next. The next step for me is diving into research about each operating systems features and benefits. This will help me answers the question of which operating system is better.