Earlier in the week, I wrote concerning the astonishingly smart Motorola Moto G (2nd Gen) phone i used to be testing at our publisher’s request, and although I wouldn’t switch from iOS to mechanical man, the expertise created plain that even a sub-$100 mechanical man phone is competent enough nowadays to function a additional capable various to a $199 iPod bit. I’ve since been testing the $180 Moto G (3rd Gen), that continues to be more cost-effective than the lowest-end iOS device, however is quicker than its precursor, and includes still cameras rivaling Apple’s flagship iPhone 6s models. Contrary to Apple’s promoting, mechanical man devices aren’t all dangerous, and $100-$200 choices from major makers ar currently delivering far better overall worth than Apple’s sub-$200 devices.
Google has spent the previous couple of years very closing Android’s overall user expertise gap with iOS, whereas adding and sharpening some options that ar either mechanical man-exclusive — or markedly higher on Android than iOS. therefore a bit like Google borrowed parts of iOS to enhance mechanical man, Apple ought to be doing a similar. Here ar the highest ten options I’d decide for iOS ten to clone
10. Versatile, Location-Aware Device Security + Functionality:
There are hints over the years that Apple desires to change iOS devices to mechanically behave otherwise whether or not they’re reception, in Associate in Nursing workplace or college, in a car, or out and concerning. mechanical man already offers this with 2 options. One is sensible Lock, which might mechanically disable a device’s password/lock screen options if you’re at a sure location, connected to your car’s Bluetooth system, or close to your smartwatch. It may also supply access to the device if your voice matches a selected pattern, or your face matches a previous scan. to boot, apps like Moto Assist will optionally use your location, the phone’s orientation, and alternative factors to vary the behavior of notifications and alternative phone options
9. Real Live Wallpaper:
Android’s approach to wallpaper has been significantly higher than iOS’s for years — Google makes it straightforward to vary wallpaper (just press and hold down on your current wallpaper), and permits developers to supply utterly three-D or animated 2-D styles. Apple has offered a particularly restricted assortment of “dynamic” and “live” iOS wallpaper choices that ar obscurity close to as spectacular as Android’s, and that they stay one in every of Android’s most conspicuous edges over iPhones and iPads.
8. Multi-User Support:
Macs have multiple user accounts. As of mechanical man five.0, several mechanical man devices have multiple user accounts. iOS doesn't. Arguably higher for tablets than phones, this feature would still change a parent at hand either style of device to a baby without concern of getting the incorrect things accessed. purportedly beneath development for a few time currently, there’s no reason for iOS to still lack this feature.
7. Customizable Home Screens, Folder Sizes, and Widgets:
iOS established the model for Home Screen styles and created folder creation straightforward, however mechanical man has designed upon the options by sanctionative larger customization of Home Screen icon locations, and victimization folders that create higher use of the screen’s size once opened. Apple ought to borrow these enhancements from mechanical man, and add icon resizing to the combination, too. Adding support for full-fledged alternate app launchers, another UI choice in mechanical man, appears too not possible to even imagine.
One of Android’s best UI enhancements is that the ability to use widgets, mini-apps that get additional to 1 or additional of your Home Screens, giving each practicality and a additional fascinating look than an understandable icon grid. you'll be able to have an outsized clock, specific contacts, a current Facebook standing, a part of your inbox, or a driving directions cutoff for a selected place sitting at the prepared for your use. the very fact that widgets will optionally occupy quite one icon value of area is de facto nice, too.
6. Google Backup and Photos:
Unless you’re willing to pay a continual monthly fee, iCloud is one in every of iOS’s most conspicuous pain points. It’s Apple’s Internet-based service that tells you to pay additional for enough storage to keep a copy your high-priced iOS devices, and teases you with the power to access all of your photos (and maybe videos) from any device, anywhere, provided that you’re willing to procure the privilege. Google offers these options to users without charge, together with consumers of even $99 mechanical man phones, and mechanical man is best for it. It’s very time for iCloud to imitate..
5. Virtual Buttons:
Some iOS die-hards could disagree, however Android’s use of virtual home, back, and multitasking buttons instead of a fanatical Home button has helped to shrink mechanical man devices’ chins while not compromising practicality. iOS nine introduced a virtual back button on Associate in Nursing as-needed basis within the higher left corner of the screen, however it’s neither as convenient nor intuitive to access as Android’s. Doing away with the physical Home button in favor of a virtual one would facilitate Apple cut even additional of these millimeters it likes to shave off, forward it will realize another location for bit ID.
4. Google Now:
Apple is aware of Google Now’s machine-controlled presentation of helpful “cards” containing travel, weather, and data steerage is nice, that is why it tried to capture the feature with iOS 9’s Proactive. however Proactive is at the best a refined, muted various to Google currently, and Apple must add method higher and far additional practicality to capture the vary of machine-controlled details Google currently offers.
3. Deeper Emergency Alert Settings:
This is a minor purpose, however iOS’s support for “Government Alerts” consists of 2 switches that toggle off or on “AMBER Alerts” and “Emergency Alerts,” with no granular controls. If you’ve ever received one in every of those notifications on Associate in Nursing iPhone, you recognize that your device may seriously startle you within the middle of a drive or relaxing night’s lodge one thing that will well have zero importance to your life. mechanical man permits you to differentiate between “extreme threats to life and property,” “severe threats to life and property,” and AMBER alerts, with the choice to disable vibration — one in every of the scariest components of iOS’s warnings — and receive reminders either once, each two minutes, or each quarter-hour.
2. Daydream Options:
Screensavers will be lots of fun, and if they’re designed well, they will be sensible, too. Since they’re not very saving the screens of mobile devices, mechanical man calls the feature “Daydream,” material possession you show one thing of your selection on screen once the phone is docked and/or charging. This could, as an example, let your device function a clock once docked with speakers, or as a news ticker once sitting at your workplace table. you'll be able to ab initio make a choice from a clock, a shifting rainbow color pattern, many photograph gallery sorts, or animated wallpaper (as shown below); some apps add Daydream selections of their own still. whether or not you wish your device to be displaying info, or simply doing one thing cool to point out off its powerful graphics chips, iOS ought to offer you a similar choice.
1. A More Usable, Mac-Like Top-Of-Screen Status Bar:
mechanical man isn’t excellent during this regard, however it’s straightforward to decision nearer to “right” than iOS. Ever since Apple’s initial shopper laptop graphical computer programme, alittle bar at the highest of the screen has been reserved for menu choices, and also the mack has evolved over time to incorporate options like a clock, a persistent search icon, notification center trigger, and mini-dock for app settings. iOS’s standing bar leaves the area largely open, however includes such arguably unneeded parts because the device’s or cellular carrier’s name and an extended battery icon that will or might not sit besides a additional correct remaining battery share. mechanical man uses the bar mostly for icons, however includes app transfer standing and completion, still as alternative icons that clearly appear coupled to the bar’s connected pull-down menu for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, and alternative controls. material possession users customise this bar, and obtaining obviate the word “iPad” or “Verizon” at the highest, would be helpful enhancements on iOS.
Are there the other mechanical man options you’d wish to see return to iOS? Share your thoughts within the comments section below!