lol
I could have predicted from the beginning that a ZDNet article would be pro-Apple, and you didn't disappoint.
iPad vs. Android tablet apps compared side-by-side
by James Kendrick | February 11, 2012 2:05pm PST | Image 1 of 10
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Twitter apps
Tweetcomb (Android) left vs. Tweetbot right
The Tweetbot design philosophy reflects the clean Apple design influence while the Tweetcomb interface, while showing far more information, seems very busy.
See full mobile tech coverage with James Kendrick on ZDNet Mobile News
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@unbound55 The pictures tell the tale.
@JamesKendrick
I agree.
Like the first one where you actively pick one of the worst Android Twitter Applications...
I agree.
Like the first one where you actively pick one of the worst Android Twitter Applications...
@JamesKendrick Why don't you just prefix every article by stating how much love your iPad... Then, nobody will call you on it because they will know which way you are leaning to begin with.
@Peter Perry... Do you disagree with his assessment of the visual aspects of these two formats? If not what are you complaining about? Better put what is your complaint that the Android format style is poorly represented or that it does not matter? To which I disagree of course it matters these devices depend on the visual experience of the user.
Pagan jim
Pagan jim
@James Quinn
I find some of the Android versions more appealing on a few of the apps, while others I prefer the iPad app.
There is no difinative "winner" as both have apps that are better on their counterparts.
I find some of the Android versions more appealing on a few of the apps, while others I prefer the iPad app.
There is no difinative "winner" as both have apps that are better on their counterparts.
@Mister Spock ... Still I am curious tell me which Android apps in this comparison did you find the visual experience better in your opinion?
Pagan jim
Pagan jim
@Michael Alen Goff... Will give the end user a more usable, consistent, and generally pleasant work/play environment:). Say the article writer took the time and effort to find what you consider the best Andoud App in this case? What might be said about it? It's very Apple like:)
Pagan jim
Pagan jim
@James Quinn
Wrong.
Using the space properly didn't become an "Apple" quality, but a design quality issue. The standards do help, yes, but the premise he is setting up is that Android Applications are worse.
It would probably mean more if his premise for anything vs Android Tablets wasn't "Option 2 is better".
As for him saying it is "Apple-like"? He probably would. When it comes to tablets, he really doesn't know what "unbiased journalism" is.
Wrong.
Using the space properly didn't become an "Apple" quality, but a design quality issue. The standards do help, yes, but the premise he is setting up is that Android Applications are worse.
It would probably mean more if his premise for anything vs Android Tablets wasn't "Option 2 is better".
As for him saying it is "Apple-like"? He probably would. When it comes to tablets, he really doesn't know what "unbiased journalism" is.
@JamesKendrick Yeah, but what tale are they telling?
Cerrainly not that all Apple apps are better than Android apps.
Nor that equivalent Apple apps are better than Android apps.
Just that some Apple apps are better than some Android apps in your opinion.
Btw. Didn't I just read that you just installed ICS to test Chrome? Extensively used?
Cerrainly not that all Apple apps are better than Android apps.
Nor that equivalent Apple apps are better than Android apps.
Just that some Apple apps are better than some Android apps in your opinion.
Btw. Didn't I just read that you just installed ICS to test Chrome? Extensively used?
@JamesKendrick The problem with your article, yet again, is your underlining bias towards Apple. And your comment that, "the pictures tell the tale", is indicative of your shallow reporting.
The pictures don't tell the tale if you're making a comprehensive comparison between apps on two very different platforms. Let's take the Youtube app as an example. You say the Android version is more attractive, but harder to read. Really? That's a subjective statement because I find it easier to read as well as being more attractive than the iPad version. Also, there is the issue of the Youtube widget that is available on the Android tablet that you don't have on the iPad. That widget is an integrated feature that expands the functionality of the app on the Android platform. Again, making it that much better than the iPad version.
Why not mention the widget feature for the apps on the Android side? I run the youtube widget on my Android tablet home screen and that's how I access the youtube app many times. I love it.
And of course I can find a list of 10 Android apps that are "better" on an Android tablet beginning with Google Maps.
The pictures don't tell the tale if you're making a comprehensive comparison between apps on two very different platforms. Let's take the Youtube app as an example. You say the Android version is more attractive, but harder to read. Really? That's a subjective statement because I find it easier to read as well as being more attractive than the iPad version. Also, there is the issue of the Youtube widget that is available on the Android tablet that you don't have on the iPad. That widget is an integrated feature that expands the functionality of the app on the Android platform. Again, making it that much better than the iPad version.
Why not mention the widget feature for the apps on the Android side? I run the youtube widget on my Android tablet home screen and that's how I access the youtube app many times. I love it.
And of course I can find a list of 10 Android apps that are "better" on an Android tablet beginning with Google Maps.
@JamesKendrick yup, it is probably because you are not really aware or interested in Android apps at all, since you compared Flipboard to Taptu instead of Google Currents...
@JamesKendrick As a long-time graphic designer I admit the Apple apps are move visually appealing on the whole. That said, I prefer the 16:9 aspect of the Android to Apple's older 4:3 style. I believe that most Android developers try to make use of the wider format and generally cram more information on the screen than is necessary. That can change, however, and I believe will change once Android is standardized on ISC. I don't mind giving Apple kudo's on design, that is their strong point. But consuming HD video content on an Android is a far better experience. Video apps, sadly, were not a part of this review. I'd also like to have heard more about the power of the applications, not just the visual appeal, but that's asking too much of an article about the "polish" of applications. In the end, I think I'll stick with my Android device.
@JamesKendrick Hmm, no you tell the tale - fortunately we had pictures to see as well. lmao
@unbound55 I think the KISS principle says it all. Sometimes, simpler is just better.
@unbound55... it seems to me what you are saying is that he is bias because what he said and showed is true. Are you arguing that visual does not matter? That you disagree with his opinion and what you saw was a good example of the superiority of Androids visual superiority? Do your eye's lie? Exactly how was he biased?
Pagan jim
Pagan jim
@James Quinn
The visuals do matter.
There are some Android applications that are better, and some Apple. Some of the pictures he used to show how Apple was better were some that I thought "But the Android one is better..."
The visuals do matter.
There are some Android applications that are better, and some Apple. Some of the pictures he used to show how Apple was better were some that I thought "But the Android one is better..."
@James Quinn My opinion may not match that of Goff, so apparently that makes me biased. While I, OTOH, respect his opinion and the right to have it. I don't believe that makes him biased, though.
@James Quinn I think what he was saying is that he compared great IPad apps to some of the more mediocre Android apps, so logically, the IPad apps are going to be better.
@JamesKendrick
The reason I say you're biased has very little to do with my opinion vs yours. I see Android Tablets as having some good and some bad. I see iPads as being better in some ways and worse in others.
I have not read a single article of yours without the tag line "iPads are better".
The reason I say you're biased has very little to do with my opinion vs yours. I see Android Tablets as having some good and some bad. I see iPads as being better in some ways and worse in others.
I have not read a single article of yours without the tag line "iPads are better".
@sroth@...
A little of that, and a little of "James has never actually liked Android Tablets". He likes phones just fine. But when it comes to tablets, he doesn't hide his hatred.
A little of that, and a little of "James has never actually liked Android Tablets". He likes phones just fine. But when it comes to tablets, he doesn't hide his hatred.
@James Quinn Of course you know that some (not sure about unbound55) will assume that anybody that gives any praise to Apple is biased and will whine about it. On the flip side there are also those on the Apple side that will do the same.
@non-biased
Huh?
So you're arguing that he isn't biased?
Huh?
So you're arguing that he isn't biased?
@unbound55 Look at the images. There was very little dialogue about either, and the pictures tell the story. Nice try jack-wagon.
@unbound55 When was the last time any "journalist" chose anything over the fruity-themed sweat-shop maker of shiny toys? The phrase "visually more appealing" is hardly something that can measured, and isn't that important when one has a built-in bias but insists it isn't there?
@HackerJ Were you complaining a year ago when the ratio of negative to positive Apple articles here was probably 7:1? Of course you were because it only matters when the story is positive toward Apple. BTW, what devices do you use that you think are not "sweat-shop maker" built and did you hear the group auditing Apple's manufacturing partner Foxconn said the the facilities were first class and he was amazing how much better the workers have it than other facilities? Guessing you would complain about that article because it was positive for Apple right?
@unbound55 Yea I see no major productivity apps there. No Word or Excel. My experience on iOS trying to manipulate any kind of files is an abomination as it has no file system. Doing something as simple as attaching multiple different file types to an email is a joke in iOS. No matter how good the apps look, it doesn't make up for anything if the OS hampers them. iOS is a very stable OS but it is limited. It's like DOS vs Unix where security is concerned. DOS was just never designed for security.
@LarsDennert Exactly. I could find 10 apps that are better on Android than iPad. Like the File Manager that came with my Transformer Prime for one. Google Maps for another. Smooth Calendar is great and I use the widget on my home screen, etc., etc.
@mrxxxman "I could find 10 apps that are better on Android than iPad."
And so how your list would be more valid than James'? Anybody could find 10 apps on a give platform than they like better than another platform so what is your point? If I posted I could find 100 apps that are better on the iPad than Android does that make my opinion more valid than yours? Really doesn't matter what anybody says, you are one of the biggest fandroids to ever post here so even if the Android app crashed every 5 seconds you would claim it was better than the iOS version.
And so how your list would be more valid than James'? Anybody could find 10 apps on a give platform than they like better than another platform so what is your point? If I posted I could find 100 apps that are better on the iPad than Android does that make my opinion more valid than yours? Really doesn't matter what anybody says, you are one of the biggest fandroids to ever post here so even if the Android app crashed every 5 seconds you would claim it was better than the iOS version.
James, is that really an Evernote page side by side? I use Evernote on Android (phone and Kindle) and iPad. The app doesn't look like that in either of my Android versions.
@Kalnel It is indeed the latest version of Evernote.
Isn't me only notice that James didn't click "show blocked picture" to make Gmail app looks worse comparing to iPad mail app?
In terms of functionality Gmail app actually superior than Mail app at least light years ahead. i.e. blocking pixel bug by default for security, show tags, flick the show next or previous email etc.
In terms of functionality Gmail app actually superior than Mail app at least light years ahead. i.e. blocking pixel bug by default for security, show tags, flick the show next or previous email etc.
@Samic ... Or any iOS Apple and or Android App? IF they are all out of the box no fiddling done then yes the comparison is fare.
Pagan jim
Pagan jim
@James Quinn
Android also have Email App that also work with Gmail as well. That App functionally is exactly the same so why he didn't use that?
You missed the point. My point was James Kendrick trying to make an Android's pro into a con by making it look worse.
Android also have Email App that also work with Gmail as well. That App functionally is exactly the same so why he didn't use that?
You missed the point. My point was James Kendrick trying to make an Android's pro into a con by making it look worse.
SO let me guess this straight. Somone post comments choosing apple and you all crying biased. Hmmm Who is drinking the Kool-aide now.
@illwill112 The Bias was leading people with opinions... If you really want to compare, post some real facts and not statements about "Polish". Apparently, more polished is the use of gradients in your toolbars and a bump in contrast to hide your screens lack of resolution.
Also, the initial statements seemingly indicated they would be comparing the exact same apps.
Also, the initial statements seemingly indicated they would be comparing the exact same apps.
@Peter Perry ... important to me a user is that they do it to my benefit. Visually appealing is very important when using a device that depends heavily on well how your receive the data you are looking at/for. This is one of the KEY reasons I find myself often choosing Apple. They take the time to think about these aspects of a users experience/interaction with their products.
Pagan jim
Pagan jim
@James Quinn that is my point exactly... Making statements like "Polished" is leading people in that direction... The Google apps had a tendency to be more on the softer colors and almost never used gradients.
Now keep in mind, it is easier to create scalable graphics on the fly than to have custom art work in the Tool bars. This is just one reason why Android is about to blow by the iPad with more than 200k Tablet Optimized Apps by the end of 2012. In fact, the majority of Android Apps will be Tablet Optimized by then.
Not using gradients and choosing softer colors does not equal less polish... It means it is different and not better or worse.
Now keep in mind, it is easier to create scalable graphics on the fly than to have custom art work in the Tool bars. This is just one reason why Android is about to blow by the iPad with more than 200k Tablet Optimized Apps by the end of 2012. In fact, the majority of Android Apps will be Tablet Optimized by then.
Not using gradients and choosing softer colors does not equal less polish... It means it is different and not better or worse.
@Peter Perry But you state your opinion all the time here as facts of why Android is better. Is that only alright for you or when it's pro Android/anti Apple?
@Peter Perry "This is just one reason why Android is about to blow by the iPad with more than 200k Tablet Optimized Apps by the end of 2012."
Really, is that why I was just reading a study yesterday about how Android app development rate has been slowing by a significant about in recent months? Don't have a link but will try to find it again.
Really, is that why I was just reading a study yesterday about how Android app development rate has been slowing by a significant about in recent months? Don't have a link but will try to find it again.
@illwill112
Actually, he is biased.
If you look at his record of covering Android Tablets, you'll see he dislikes them.
Actually, he is biased.
If you look at his record of covering Android Tablets, you'll see he dislikes them.
@Michael Alan Goff That's not true. I own two Android tablets and use them frequently. I also own an iPad 2 and use it as well. I write about what I use, not just the latest and greatest to get an audience.
@ JamesKendrick You say, "I write about what I use, not just the latest and greatest to get an audience." Yet somehow you always use the latest and greatest when it comes to Apple. I don't see you using an original iPad for example. And I'm sure once the iPad 3 comes out you'll be using it instead of the iPad 2. Or, maybe you'll prove me wrong and not use the latest and greatest form Apple, but I won't hold my breath.
You have said that before, as if owning it (likely bought by ZDnet) doesn't have anything to do with bias. ZDnet, overall, has an iPad bias. Everything is being compared to it, and found lacking. You're just a part of a bigger issue.
I'd respect you more if you said "Yeah, I'm biased. Everyone is", or something to that effect. As for saying you don't even dislike them, I have to chuckle. Your articles regarding them are at least 90% how Apple does it better.
I'd respect you more if you said "Yeah, I'm biased. Everyone is", or something to that effect. As for saying you don't even dislike them, I have to chuckle. Your articles regarding them are at least 90% how Apple does it better.
@Michael Alan Goff Liking or disliking something does not mean that the author can not have an unbiased opinion when comparing the two. I like iOS but that doesn't mean that I automatically think everyone on iOS is better, I know that isn't the case.
@Michael Alan Goff "Everything is being compared to it, and found lacking."
So what you are saying is that the only possible answer is that ZDNet is completely biased toward Apple? The fact that the iPad is the clear winner (at this point) in the tablet race isn't reason enough for everything to be compared to it? I see articles here all the time that talk about this or that being better on Android. Do you skip those so you can whine about bias or just missed them? Did you complain a year ago when 80%+ of the articles here were pro Android or negative Apple?
So what you are saying is that the only possible answer is that ZDNet is completely biased toward Apple? The fact that the iPad is the clear winner (at this point) in the tablet race isn't reason enough for everything to be compared to it? I see articles here all the time that talk about this or that being better on Android. Do you skip those so you can whine about bias or just missed them? Did you complain a year ago when 80%+ of the articles here were pro Android or negative Apple?
I thought the YouTube comparison best showed the different design philosophies adopted by both companies.
just curious which of the apps are free or not and if that reflects on the quality?
I cant make out **** from those tiny blurry pics.
And what a useless contrived way to present them.
Why not just take real screen grabs and put them all on one page so we can look them over easily?
And what a useless contrived way to present them.
Why not just take real screen grabs and put them all on one page so we can look them over easily?
@hickslv426 Yeah, if we believed everything we read we would believe that the antenna issue affected every iPhone 4 or that no iPhone has ever been able to complete a phone call or that everyone in the world has to have and wants flash on their mobile devices.
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