Android is Top Selling OS in US

Android is now the number 1 selling OS in the US.   

Some interesting statistics on customer loyalty across various smart phones here.

If Android sales continue with the same momentum, I would not be surprised if they eclipse Apple's iPhone in the smart phone category.  Android has the natural advantage of being installed on multiple vendor devices.  Which is not without challenges (as described by an earlier blog).

It will be interesting to see what the future might bring us.  Just sit back and enjoy the show.

Apple Designs the Hardware and Software. It Works!

The only mobile Operating System (OS) worth mentioning besides Apple's iOS4 is the Android.  Some of you might be aware that the Android runs on multiple mobile devices, such as Motorola's Droid and HTC.

Techtree has a detailed article about the challenges Google faces with the fragmentation of Android versions across multiple devices.  Furthermore, different vendors implement the Android User Interface (UI) differently to differentiate themselves.  Apple's iPhone interface is consistent and familiar.  Making it intuitive for most users after the initial learning curve.

Developers are not well supported through the Android app store.  Piracy is also a problem which Google is trying to address.  A problem that does not exist in Apple's app store.  Google supports paid apps in 13 countries, whereas Apple supports 90 countries.

To summarize, the point is simple.  As a consumer, you are looking for an uncomplicated device.  If developers are well supported, it means more applications in the store.  If the platform is intuitive, the user experience is improved.  

Choose the iPhone until Android becomes better.  It hasn't happened yet.

Want security and privacy? Buy apps from iTunes!

Purchasing apps for your new iPhone 4 or iPad?  Worried about security or privacy issues?  Well if you're purchasing apps from iTunes (Apple's App Store), more than likely, you will be safe.  

You might have heard people complain about Apple's approval process for applications published in the App Store.  These complaints are mostly about the process being long and at times ambiguous.  It appears there is a benefit that comes with it.

I am glad that Apple is providing a 3rd party service to quality assure apps in the App Store.  Because of this, I do not worry about obscure developers on the App Store trying to steal my private information such as contacts on my iPhone.  An article here on this.

Like always, people are making a fuss over Apple's App Store over the little things. Apple has provided a service that benefits both the developer and consumer.   Let me explain...

For small developers, getting an application through the approval process and into the App Store means that consumers will more than likely purchase their app.  Feeling safe in the knowledge that Apple has reviewed the application.  Awesome!  Thank you Apple for this service!

A curated platform is a fantastic proposition for consumers like myself.  Chances are, I will hit the "Buy" button more frequently than I would do on an Android.  I think that's a good outcome for all.

Rejoice developers!  Rejoice consumers!

Review of the NUDE case. Don't get it!

Here's a review of the NUDE case for the iPhone 4 that is offered free by Apple as part of the free case program to protect the antenna.

Don't get it!

Speed up iOS4 on iPhone 3G

It appears that by turning off Spotlight in the iPhone 3G with iOS4 will help speed things up a little.

I have done this just a few minutes ago and will be checking if this really does speed things up.

If it does, I will report back here.

To try this yourself, navigate to Settings -> General -> Home Button -> Spotlight Search.  In here, uncheck as many of the search items listed.

If this improves the performance of your iPhone 3G with iOS4 please post your results below.

Motorola Droid X antenna problems

Apple has released videos to demonstrate industry wide challenges with mobile phone antennas.  These videos compared the signal displays of the iPhone 4, BlackBerry Bold 9700, HTC Droid Eris, Nokia N97, Samsung Omnia II and iPhone 3GS.  When held tightly, the signal drops without exception on all phones.

Understandably, competitors have rejected the suggestion that their products share the same antenna problems as the iPhone 4.  BlackBerry and Nokia have responded as blogged here.  Samsung has responded since.

Apple certainly isn't shy when it comes to bringing its competitors back down to earth.  As this cage match continues, the latest to be thrown into the ring is, the new Motorola Droid X.

It will be interesting to watch how this plays out.....

77% iPhone owners will buy again.

According to an article on CNNMoney, iPhone 4 has strong customer loyalty.  This is based on a survey by the Yankee Group.

To quote the article, "...The iPhone is also the gift that keeps on giving: 77% of iPhone owners say they'll buy another iPhone, compared to 20% of Android customers who say they'll buy another Android phone.."

This is still early days.  I am not sure about the survey's sample size.  To be fair to Android, earlier versions are not as impressive as the latest Android 2.2 Froyo.  Customer loyalty might change in the future.

Either way, having Android around means the iPhone will innovate faster to keep up with  competition.  This can only be good for iPhone owners.