Introduction
Android and IOS are the biggest phone operating systems in the world and household names around the world. Both support a variety of devices, platforms and applications, allowing their users to effectively achieve their goals. In order to best understand the differences between the two platforms, it is necessary to directly compare them. For the purposes of this work, the customization of both operating systems, their features and how they are regulated will be discussed.
Flexibility and Customization
Customization is one of the central and most contentious aspects of comparing IOS systems to Android. Both types allow their users to change their experience visually and practically, but the degree of control varies. While neither approach to user design can be seen as truly superior, they both have their own supporters and detractors. IOS is distributed through a closed source model, only allowing Apple employees and other qualified professionals to modify how the operating system works. Similarly, the design itself follows a specific structure, within which any modifications take a limited form. The user is able to change their settings, the visual presentation of the screens, or adjust the controls to their liking.
Introducing features not intended by the manufacturer or the Apple company, however, is prohibited. Comparatively, Android is distributed on an open source model, continuously updated and modified by any person who may want to change their operating system. The user interface itself can be adjusted with little preparation, modifying the device’s presentation on any possible level. Changing icons for applications, completely redesigning the interface, adding any new features – all of that is possible on Android. While it may appear that this approach is better for the users, it can also lead to devices having more security vulnerabilities, or be more difficult to navigate.
Features and Abilities
The features that can be accessed from an IOS device or an Android device differ considerably. Both systems have a number of different languages available for their user interface, but Android has more than twice the amount IOS usually provides. In addition, such features as the built-in browser are different. IOS uses Safari as its default browser, while also allowing other Safari-based options to be installed. Comparatively, Android usually comes with Google Chrome, and any other browser the user wants can be downloaded instead. Generally, the range of applications that Android uses for its essential services, such as maps, mail, calendars are all provided by Google. IOS supports the integration of Google products as well, but prioritizes their own brand alternatives.
Legislation, Restrictions and Calls
Another interesting distinction comes from how phone calls are regulated on IOS and Android devices. In the United States, the ability of a party to record phone conversations varies from state to state. For some areas, this means the consent of both parties is needed to record a call, while only a single participant’s consent is needed in others. Both Android and IOS needed a way to deal with this discrepancy. The Apple company decided to completely prohibit any type of phone call recording on their IOS devices as a way to answer this problem. Comparatively, Android places the discretion on the users themselves, who are held responsible for potentially breaking state laws.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both operating systems have their pros and cons. Devices allowing users to perform a variety of tasks necessary for their daily life are incredibly useful, and choosing the correct one for each person will often depend on recognizing the differences between the platforms. By carefully considering the features and limitations of each OS, it is possible to make the best decision.