So – why switch?

Formerly being such an advocate of all things Apple (and therefore the iPhone), many people have asked what on Earth has possessed me to switch to Android after building a vast collection of paid-for applications on iTunes. The answer is simple.

Usability

The iPhone is widely praised for its brilliant usability, offering a very simple approach to accessing applications and services through the familiar “home screen.”

It’s great, though I have heard those who are less tech-savvy question why it is not possible to access Facebook friends (for example) through the contacts list, or be able to send a photo directly from a gallery to a Twitter feed. These questions are interesting, especially since those more techy of us can instinctively create a workaround and not notice these as problems.

On picking up another more open smartphone – such as Android, for example – both techies and newbies alike appear to appreciate how everything fits together a lot more than when greeted with the obstructions the iPhone platform creates. Yes, you can send a photo from your photos gallery to Twitter and, yes, you can access Facebook contacts though your phone’s contact list.

Frustratingly, how this works is largely in the hands of handset manufacturers and mobile operators – some do it brilliantly (like HTC with the Hero)  others may not (Vodafone and the HTC Magic – 500MB download limit?!). Although Android marketplace simplifies installing add-ons and customisations, it is often difficult for the average consumer to find and install them.

This blog aims to provide a helping hand to users to easily make their Android phone their own and give practical Android news, tips and tricks to create the ultimate mobile experience.

I’m a relatively new user, so this is as much a learning experience as anything else – feel free to email me thoughts and suggestions to teach me more!

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