Android 4.4 Kitkat and Nexus 5 vs. iOS 7 vs. Windows 8 Review: Which OS Wins the War?
Nexus 5 is making big waves at the moment, not only because it's finally an official Google-LG phone, but also that it's coming out on November 8 at $349 with the Android 4.4 Kitkat.
This very fact can pose as a great threat to the two bigwigs that have been enjoying the spotlight for quite some time: Apple's iOS 7 and the Windows 8.0. Coupled with the Nexus 5 and all the great features it comes with, how will the Android 4.4 Kitkat fare against the two OS that are already in the market?
Android 4.4 Kitkat
Unlike the flashy changes in features and design in iOS 7, what makes Android 4.4 Kitkat a pretty good OS is that it listened to consumer's gripes and fixed them.
The Android 4.4 Kitkat will now be more accessible to users, doing away with the clutter and putting forward a clean interface that is now compatible with all phones, budget and high-end alike. So even those with budget phones can now aim to get better updates and versions once Android 4.4 Kitkat rolls out to other devices.
This pretty much solves the ever-annoying problem of fragmentation. However, the downside with the Android 4.4 Kitkat is that it's an ambitious change and it remains to be seen whether Google can achieve it.
Another great feature is the promised immersive experience. CNet reports that his feature is expected to be delivered by new features including: the modified phone dialer app that gives priority to those you talk to the most, integration of Google apps to the dialer, option for automatic hiding onscreen for "clutter" apps, the Hangouts app for messages and video calls, and a more uniform colour for status bars.
There's also the "OK, Google" command that brings up various commands that are integrated with other Google services that you need to use. Pocket Now also adds that there is also the unique feature of being able to natively screen record with different bitrates and resolutions as well as immediately share them directly from your device.
iOS 7: A great idea-with a fairly bad execution
When one hears of the iOS 7, there's an instant divide to the reactions, both praises and criticisms, for an iOS that is considered to be one of Apple's most immediately downloaded after its release.
Starting first with the good in the iOS 7: the Control Center, which lets you access your most used settings in a convenient panel. Gotta Be Mobile also hails the iOS 7's new multitasking features, which is a huge improvement from the iOS 6, one that you can use time and again and never get sick of.
Lastly, iOS 7 is also Apple's big step into the gaming industry, as it features notable changes to the Game Center and even adds the ability for game controller support and a more cohesive development of games.
But the iOS 7 also comes with its faults, such as the battery life and connectivity. Then there's the design, which hints at Android looks and has reportedly caused motion sickness, according to BGR.
The worst news? Users are still actively looking for a way to downgrade back to the iOS 6.
Windows Phone 8: An upcoming platform that's "not there yet"
Android and iOS are pretty much battling and owning the number 1 and 2 slot for best OS, which is the reason why the Windows Phone 8 is still stuck somewhere near the third. Praises for the Windows Phone 8 include manageability and easy access to notifications, balance of app details onscreen, and easy navigation all throughout, according to Tech Republic.
There is also a good deal of integration between the OS and social media, sharing functionalities with fellow Windows Phone 8 users, and a seamless transition from navigation, to status updates, to notifications.
However, as a well-rounded OS, there is much work to be done, and Technology Review states that it should start with having more apps in the Windows Phone Store. In a sense, the Windows Phone Store suffers from the same affliction as the BlackBerry World-lacking major apps and having a lot of not so good ones.
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The verdict?
Androif 4.4 Kitkat is first coming out with the Nexus 5, and while there are minimal changes to the system, the benefits pretty much outweigh the trivialities. Compared to the Windows Phone 8, Android 4.4 Kitkat has expanded the use of apps and even added a few important ones like the Google Hangouts.
And while the iOS 7 is building a solid reputation for casual gaming, Android 4.4 Kitkat is aiming to revamp its look, style, and overall features to become a solid Google software.