iOS 8
iPhone's most recent operating system is called iOS 8. This new operating system comes with an all-new Photos app, which makes it simpler to take pictures and to find pictures by organizing them in smart albums, and even after the picture is taken, powerful new editing tools are available in order to enhance the photos to fit the user's desire. A feature called iCloud Photo Library is also available as a backup storage for photos taken.
Aside from photos, iOS 8 also made some improvements in messaging. For ease and convenience, voice messaging has been integrated in order to more effectively send messages. Video and audio clips are also available and can be sent through messages if one desires. The last improvement is the ability to allow the iPhone to track the user's location, and to send and share that information with someone else. One last key feature of iOS 8 is its new keyboard system. Apple has innovated a new smart keyboard that has the ability to adapt itself to fit the user and for the purpose of the message. For example, if the user is texting, then the keyboard gives suggestions that are more casual, whereas, if the user is sending a formal email, then the suggestions are more sophisticated and complex. Also, if the user receives a question over text, then the keyboard has a limited understanding of the question and gives suggestions. If the question is something that is answered by yes or no, then on top of the keyboard are those two choices, making responding a bit more efficient. |
Android 4.4 KitKat
The Galaxy S4's equivalent of iOS 8 is called Android 4.4 KitKat, or just KitKat for short. This operating system is owned by Google, and Google essentially tries to keep the system up to date and as efficient as possible. Most of the modifications that are made in newer versions of the Android operating system are just tweaks to what the operating system already had. The more outstanding features of KitKat are smooth voice searching, efficient multitasking, and the use of QuickOffice.
The first feature is the Google voice commands. When on the home screen, the user simply has to say "Ok Google", and the phone pulls up Google voice commands. From this screen, the user has the choice to search Google, send a text, get directions, or even play a song from YouTube or from his or her own library. The use of voice commands is, for example, if the user was driving, and forgot to put in directions to his or her destination, then he or she cannot pick up the phone without endangering his or herself. However, if he or she can just quickly activate the phone, and say "OK Google," then the directions can be put in by saying them out loud. Another way that the KitKat can demonstrate its flexibility is by its extensive multitasking feature. Whenever an application is opened, the device puts it in a list called "Recent Apps." When the application is closed, the phone automatically saves where the user left off on the application in case it needs to be accessed again. With a push of a button, the Recent Apps are shown, and are able to be pressed in order to resume progress. This is especially handy if the user requires multiple apps at once and is juggling to navigate among them. For example, one app can be playing music, while another is downloading a file, all while the user browses the internet for whatever he or she needs. There is very little overlap, so each application isn't slowed very much if another is running, unless there are too many apps running at once. Lastly, the KitKat allows for the easy access of the program QuickOffice. QuickOffice is essentially Microsoft Office, but for mobile devices. Therefore, if a project needs to be typed up on Microsoft Word, such as a paper for an English Class, by a student that doesn't have access to a computer, then he or she can use QuickOffice to access Word on the phone, and type it there. |
Comparison
Each operating system has its own special features and functions. However, ease of use is another factor that can affect the decision of which phone to purchase. KitKat has very limited features in terms of pre-installed apps, while iOS 8 features many apps that make the use of the phone easier. KitKat essentially only has the necessary basic features, and the other features can be downloaded in Google Play Store. Therefore, in terms of ease of use for new users, the iPhone has a better way of introducing its features. In terms of built in features, the two are tied for their smartphone capabilities.