Posted on Fri, Jun 08, 2012
Terminal IT Technicians Compare and Contrast The Leading Smartphone Operating Systems
There is lots to be excited about these days in the cell phone industry, and many of the innovations have been led by the big two: Apple and Android, Google's mobile operating system. Gone are the days when phones ran on proprietary systems unique to each manufacturer. Now, the majority of smartphones, especially mid to high range models, run on mobile operating systems made by one of several industry giants. Manufacturers must align their product line behind one systems, which can mean all the difference. Just ask Samsung and Nokia.
Samsung now leads smartphone productions, and all feature Android's ICS (Ice Cream Sandwich). If you are in the market for a new smartphone, it is important to know how Android ICS stacks up against its two main rivals, Windows Phone Mango and Apple iOS5.
Google v. Windows v. Apple
Android leads the pack when it comes to email and messaging. Because roughly the population of the US uses Gmail, Google's email service, Android is able to make a seamless connection between computer, phone and inbox. Second place goes to iOS 5, which offers many of the same features while Mango takes a distant third.
In others areas, Mango is the clear winner. Mango makes home screen notifications an automated and hassle free affair, better than Android's notification bar and sleeker than iOS 5. Mango also multitasks better than the rest. That can be vital, especially with BYOD and the way that we rely on our phones at work.
Android Flexes Its Muscles
Android is the browsing (and searching) king. Its browser cruises past Apple’s Safari, used in iPhone, by a large margin. The new mobile version of IE used in Mango OS is an improved one and offers excellent web browsing experience.
Application wise, both iOS and Android offer a variety of options. Mango OS, when compared with Android and iOS, was definitely found wanting in this sphere.
As far as navigation features are concerned, Android ICS knocks out the competition. Google Maps is far more function on Android. Microsoft might respond with Bing and Windows 8, but as of now it is no contest.
A Complicated Verdict
Overall, Android ICS comes across a winner in most categories. However, will Android ICS ever entice Apple loyalists? It does not provide enough incentive at the moment, as is evident by the 35 million iPhones sold in the first quarter. Maybe there will be a change in the second, but we are not holding our breath.
To learn more about mobile business solutions, visit the IT Support page of our website.
Give Us a Call 617-731-6319 and Ask a Professional IT Support Technician Any Questions You May Have!
Sincerely, Terminal We Serve All of Greater Boston and Cambridge, MA
Posted on Thu, Apr 07, 2011
As the internet continues to become more and more of a necessity for business, the ability to connect to the internet becomes increasingly critical to keeping your business running. Many companies have remote works, sales forces which travel, or other employees who need to work from the road. The challenge is keeping them connected and in touch with the rest of the company.
Thankfully, mobile broadband internet is becoming increasingly useful and cost effective. Many people have smart phones with data connections, which allow them to check their email or other company resources while on the go. However, getting a laptop to work this way is more of a challenge. Often, employees use hotel wireless connections or free hotspots in coffee shops or other locations. Increasingly, employees are subscribing to mobile broadband services, which allow them to have a mobile broadband connection anywhere there is cell service available.
The downside to this technology has been that 3G speeds are nowhere near comparable to the typical wifi speeds most people are used to when using a laptop. It can frequently be 1/10th or even less the speed you would get if you were to use a normal wifi connection. Oftentimes, this is only enough for the most basic work to be done and limits how productive an employee can be when out of the office.
However, new 4G technologies are now hitting the market and are available in many cities across the country. With 4G mobile broadband connections, speeds are significantly better and more on par with the type of speed many users may be used to from using their home internet connections. The best part of 4G is the cost is nearly *the same* as older 3G mobile broadband plans, but provides speeds 4-20 times faster. While not as fast as what they may have in the office, it is vastly better than 3G technology and greatly increases access to resources and productivity from anywhere you can reach a 4G signal.
If you're based in Boston, you're in luck, as 4G technology is becoming a big industry here. The current leader is Clear with their WiMAX 4G technology. Clear has also partnered with Sprint, which allows Sprint to offer 4G services to their client base, rebranded as Sprint equipment. The other carriers are not too far behind with offering their 4G services, mainly based on LTE technology; T-mobile does currently offer service and AT&T and Verizon are not far behind. However, it's our feeling here at Terminal, that Clear is the most well established network in Boston, as they have been working on their network for far longer than the other technologies. This is why we chose to partner with Clear, allowing us to offer their technological advantage to our clients and helping them get the most from new 4G services.
If you have a mobile workforce and are interested in getting them to be more productive and more accessible, Contact Us today and we can go over all the benefits and advantages of 4G technology with you.
Brian St. Marie – Sr. Systems Engineer
Give Us a Call 617-731-6319 and Ask a Professional IT Support Technician Any Questions You May Have!
Sincerely, Terminal We Serve All of Greater Boston and Cambridge, MA