Introduction
Google launched in August of this year the latest version of its operating system: Android 9.0 Pie. And now that we have attended the last Apple Event to see the presentation of iOS12 we officially declare the eternal Android vs iOS dispute open. Both operating systems have gone through several beta and it seems that their paths are no longer so different.
Let’s see point by point the functionalities of the operating systems of Google and Apple to see for ourselves if the Android vs iOS gap still exists or if it seems that they smoked the peace pipe and there are fewer differences than ever. Let the fight begin!
Android vs iOS Round 1. Gesture Control
Gesture control has always been one of the strengths of iOS, although iOS 12 comes to solve some gestures that were included to save the absence of a start button on the iPhone X. Now it is more simple to close applications since it is enough to swipe up the app. On this occasion it seems that Android follows the steps of iOS when introduces gestures very similar to those included in the iPhone X. Although in this case Android includes by default the navigation through the buttons of the screen, and it is the user who must select gesture control.
Android vs iOS Results Round 1: iOS wins
Android vs iOS Round 2. Facial recognition
While facial recognition has been implemented on Android for quite some time, it is not until the arrival of the iPhone X that it has become popular. This is because the facial recognition on Android was not 3D and the personality could be supplanted with a photo of the device owner. In fact Google warned on their devices about the poor security of the system compared to others already established as the fingerprint or the numerical code. Another drawback is the multitude of devices that use the Android operating system, since facial recognition depends not only on the software but also on the hardware of the smartphone because it involves a laser projector. But it certainly cannot be denied that Android Pie has done its part and since this version the work of the developers is facilitated including a new API called “Biometric Prompt API” that will increase the security of the system. Despite this there is no doubt that in this aspect Apple has been the spearhead of this breakthrough and has a more developed recognition system.
Android vs iOS Results Round 2: iOS wins
Android vs iOS Round 3. Notifications
The way in which the operating system organizes notifications determines our use of the phone, which is why it is so important. In this case we can say that Android has gone ahead of iOS, and has even improved with the arrival 9.0 Pie. The Android company gives the user greater control over notifications, allowing for example to choose which ones appear at the top of the lock screen. Apple, meanwhile, has introduced several changes in iOS to be hot on Android’s heels. Among them the grouping of notifications without unlocking the terminal (even though this may generate security controversies). On the other hand Siri will suggest improvements based on the use you give to notifications and introduces the Bedtime Mode that works as the Do Not Disturb of Android already did.
Android vs iOS Results Round 3: Android wins
Android vs iOS Round 4. Voice assistant
Android seems to have focused more on humanizing its assistant than on making it more agile. While the 9.0 Foot assistant allows you to choose between six voices and demonstrates that Google Asistant can have a voice very similar to the human one, iOS 12 offers Siri Shortcuts and better predicts what the user needs.Therefore, Google Asistant offers us less possibilities than Siri that as a voice assistant allows you to configure almost any routine given faster support.
Android vs iOS Results Round 4: iOS wins
Android vs iOS Round 5. Updates
The effort to reach their updates to most of their devices can not be deny to Cupertino´s people. On this occasion even the iPhone 5s of 2013 will support iOS 12 making it more efficient. This is possible because Apple has control not only its software but also the hardware on which its updates are installed. This creates an almost insurmountable barrier with Android that is always struggling to avoid the dispersion of operating systems that coexist in its universe. That is why it has created Treble Project that encourages updates to be more frequent and faster.
Android vs iOS Results Round 5: iOS wins
Android vs iOS Round 6. Augmented reality.
ARKit Apple software to develop augmented reality for iOS, has taken advantage of the iOS 12 update to improve. The most visual for the user has been the Measure application that measures objects with the help of the camera. ARKit 2 improves other facial recognition features and identifies 3D objects. On Android, the equivalent software is called ARCore. The developers make use of it using both the camera, the gyroscope and the accelerometer to develop virtual reality apps. Therefore both frameworks allow the creation of apps, ARCore does not support all devices.
Android vs iOS Results Round 6: iOS wins
Android vs iOS. Conclusions
In the end, the Android vs iOS dichotomy is solved by the user in a much simpler way. Sometimes the Android vs iOS fight is solved simply by how accustomed we are to one operating system or another. Other times, Android vs iOS is clarified even at a previous step, because the budget you have to buy a mobile terminal can be decisive.
What does seem true is that the Android vs iOS confrontation is becoming increasingly diluted when you go each absorbing the advances of the other. Although the battle Android vs iOS will never end.
