Android vs. iPhone

The Android vs. iPhone debate is currently a dividing issue in the tech world. There are crazy fans on both sides, and debates are often reduced to throwing useless opinions at each other. Admittedly, I am an avid Android user (yes, I have used iPhone extensively), but I like to think that I have an unbiased opinion.

I could break down the arguments from both sides and see what it comes down to, but that's not what I want to do here. (Maybe some other time.) Both parties obviously have some appeal, and I want to break down what the appeal of both sides is.

iPhone: Consolidation

First of, iPhone scores a big hit with the fact that: 1. A lot of people use it; and 2. All iPhones are made by Apple, so updates come out at the same time. It's also, therefore, easier to integrate an iPhone with a series of external devices because they basically all work the same. Thus the success of Apple Pay and iTunes ride on the back of one set of technology. Security of apps from the app store is better guaranteed (Google doesn't check apps until they're already on the store). Apps admittedly come out quicker for iPhone, and the new language Swift looks like iPhone is going to be easier to program for, as well. (Though Android has the old language beat.) 

Android: Choice 

I don't know how to put this any better: Android = choice. You can choose from a variety of manufacturers (with good reputations): Samsung, Motorola, LG, HTC, etc., each with its own combination of price, power, storage, camera, customization (I'm looking at you, Moto X), and special set of features to name a few. You can customize literally everything with the right app (rooting may be necessary for some things). You can customize your storage with MicroSD cards. You can choose from more than just iTunes when it comes to even just apps and music. The Amazon App Store works with many Androids besides kindles, and some companies have their own app store, like Samsung. (Note that I favor Google Play for apps.) Heck, you can even use iTunes for your music if you want to! Plus, Google's apps generally have more features on Android (though they're still popular on iPhone). Who favors Apple Maps over Google Maps? 

As much as the two systems of iPhone and Android can be seen to be coming closer together, these two differences will always remain. "Why?" you might ask. I'll tell you: Apple. Apple has done something really impressive, actually. They've created a self-supporting ecosystem that runs on a single line of products. In fact, if Apple let other people make iOS devices, people would only buy Apple's. Apple is all about the sleek design and "Everyone uses Apple." And as long as "everyone" uses Apple (There are less Apples than Androids by a HUGE margin, but Apples sell better than any other individual manufacturer by an impressive amount) Apple will always be alive and well, and (unless they misinterpret a new, very important technology really badly,) they will always be able to make new phones (and other products) to satisfy their customers.

Don't Upgrade! (To Windows 10)

Technology is always changing. Once a year or so your smartphone will upgrade to new version, and your Windows is always updating. For the nerdy ones like me, tech conferences like Google I/O and E3 show off the latest in the new technology. Companies use these events to build hype for the new versions of their products. Google recently revealed Android M, with tons of new features that I am totally excited about. Microsoft revealed Windows 10, which I have seen described as a "love letter to Windows 7," a phrase that appeals to me, considering I've always used Windows, and have used 7 for a long time. 

While we all want the newest features, (Google Now with context recognition, offline YouTube, better Siri, new Cortana, free upgrade to Windows 10,) I would like to introduce a somewhat revolutionary thought in the context of our rapidly evolving culture: Wait before you upgrade.

And yes it is entirely possible that you've heard this before. It's far from an original thought. I would just like to point out that many upgrades have a lot of problems upon release, so I'd wait for the opinions on it to start rolling in. This applies to everything, from Android (especially on Nexus) to iPhone (yes the almighty Apple's affected), to Windows, to newest PlayStation and Xbox (though to be fair, these two should be currently stable). 

And, by the way, hold off on reserving that Windows 10 upgrade for a month or two, trust me.

Reviews: Android Games, Part 1. (Up to December 2014)

There are tons of games on Android, and plenty of good ones. However, there is a distinct lack of genres, as most games try to create a unique touchscreen experience (which, admittedly, is not a bad thing.)
These are games I played in 2014; some came out in 2014, some I just felt belonged. (Note that numbers are not necessarily in the order of the game's quality.)

1. Leo's Fortune

When I first saw this game, I thought that it had good graphics and interesting controls, but wasn't going to put up my money for it. When I saw it on sale after Christmas, I got it for kicks. 

This game blew my mind. It's strongest point is atmosphere. The music is great (not mind blowing, but good), the backgrounds look great, and the textures look pretty realistic. The story isn't too bad either, though it's cheesy if you think about it in the context of furry ball people. If you like it, you'll probably like the older game Badlands, too, which is free.

Downside to this game is the stars, which there is little incentive to collect; levels unlock on the completion of the previous level.

2. Duet

This game is really brilliant. The audio is taken very seriously; the title screen states that the game is "best with headphones." It lives up to that expectation, weaving what basically is a series of psychology sessions. The levels are well designed and has a drastic but barely noticeable learning scale (the beginning levels are hard because the two dots move so slowly, and the later levels add more moving parts, shows, and fading pieces).

3. Hitman GO

Another Christmas sale game for me; pretty well designed, classic Hitman music. The levels don't get repetitive, and there is good incentive to collect all the stars, or in this case, stamps. After playing this game I started liking Schumann's "Ave Maria," which is used as the boss theme.

Other games that are older and I felt were worth mentioning but not reviewing because they're kinda obvious: Minecraft PE (latest version 0.10 actually functions very well); Asphalt 8, Riptide GP2, Need for Speed: Most Wanted, [Circle, and Amazing Brick]*.

*Note that these games came out in 2014, but are casual games, so there's not a lot to say except play them.