Tweaked it for clarity -- I meant you don't need a dongle to adapt from one cable to another (like Apple's Lightning-to-HDMI adapter). You definitely need a wire if there's no wireless connection.
Eh? How are you going to connect with a wire to your TV without a wire?
Lucky they don't sell your data then.Obviously, if you pay Google, they wouldn’t then be able to sell your data for advertising. Although knowing Google, they would do both! Just look at the Pixel as an example of Google double-dipping.
Lucky they don't sell your data then.
Obviously, if you pay Google, they wouldn’t then be able to sell your data for advertising. Although knowing Google, they would do both! Just look at the Pixel as an example of Google double-dipping, making you pay top-dollar for the device AND selling your data for advertising! They’ve got you lot by the balls.
AFAIK they provide a service wherby they (Google) will target ads for other people. So company A will tell Google who they want to target to and Google will serve ads to that demographic. I don't think that Google sells the data, that wouldn't make business sense.Google absolutely do sell aggregated data to advertisers. It’s their whole business model. And it’s horrible for us consumers.
I don't mind special cables or dongles in this situation, you're tethered to a bloody great TV anyway!Tweaked it for clarity -- I meant you don't need a dongle to adapt from one cable to another (like Apple's Lightning-to-HDMI adapter). You definitely need a wire if there's no wireless connection.
Google doesn't sell your data. It's pretty explicit about that. It uses data to help target advertising, but companies don't buy that info; they just target keywords.
Look, we get it: you hate Google because it dared to compete against Apple. But please make sure you get your facts straight and base your opinion around those, not what you imagine Google to be like.
Targeted advertising is the business model I don’t like. That’s precisely what I’m talking about.
There's no way I can respond to a post as long as yours but I'll give you and the op one example. I use a Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 and from the start I hated the launcher so I switched over to zenui. (No big deal perhaps but Apple doesn't allow you to do that.) But I now discovered another launcher called Fastkey and it has completely transformed my phone and the way I interact with it whilst improving my user experience. I have nothing to do with the company but it's discoveries like that which makes android enjoyable. There are countless other things like that in the Android ecosystem and you'll keep discovering more.No idea what you mean by this. Most major free apps are free on both, and plenty of the "free" Android apps are junk/spyware/malware, or you'll have to sort through a bunch of different ones to get the features you want, and entirely possible you won't find one or you'll end up paying to get it just like on iPhone. Plus, even Google's own apps are often superior on iOS, and I'll let you guess what that means for 3rd party apps. Its not as bad these days (and there are a few that the Android app is better, although I can't think of any off the top of my head), and sure there's issues with default app situation on iOS, but its not like Android doesn't have plenty of its own issues. Performance is still better on iPhone (haven't noticed "we totally super duper absolutely fixed performance and made things smooth for real now" claims for the newest Android, which means we'll be hearing it next year after things bog down yet again). And let's not forget the mess that is updates (in fairness, Apples has had issues with updates causing problems, but you typically at least get the update and don't have to wait months to find out if you actually do or not; my ATT LG V10 still hasn't gotten a main Android update and I can't force one).
For me, its a tossup, and I'm not sure I'd give up years of built up apps (guarantee that if you've spent much money on iOS apps you're not gonna get equal features for free on Android) just over drag and drop. Which pretty sure there are programs that let you wirelessly drag and drop and plenty of apps can be aware of and use the files. In fact VLC itself integrates something like that:
https://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-ios.html
With regards to the headphone jack, new iPhones still come with the dongle, don't they? So you don't have to use wireless headphones. And talking about quality, lots of Android phones either don't come with their own (gotta love carriers literally removing them from boxes just because...) or they're no better than Apple's (you do know you don't have to use the official Apple ones on iPhone, right?), so that shouldn't even be weighted as a knock against iPhones (especially since several Android devices are doing the same thing). And the inline DAC/mic devices are more likely to be tailored to iOS. Actually general connectivity (connecting to external devices) is better with iPhone, isn't it? Aside from USB to PC.
I don't know exactly what the OP has spent a lot of money on with iPhones (the phones themselves and accessories, apps too?), but you'll end up doing that on Android too. And I guarantee you'll encounter plenty of minor annoyances that will bug you just like iPhone (some might be device specific, but . That's not to say you might find it less annoying than iOS (seems like a fair amount of people do), but at minimum you'll be spending a lot of time tweaking things. Oh and stuff like ApplePay exist on Android, so not really getting how you think you'll be getting away from that (I don't recall Apple being obtrusive and popping up forcing you to use ApplePay?). Speaking of pop-ups, I love how I have to do a special thing to get ATT's stupid AddressBook from popping up every single time I click Contacts using the built in phone dialer/contact app (and sorry but finding another one was a nightmare that ultimately proved pointless since they all had their own issues).
Don't get me wrong, there are some great Android devices, I just don't think the overall situation is any better than iPhone (and I'm not an Apple/iPhone fanboy either, I agree with many criticisms about it, I just don't get the way people act like Android doesn't have just as many issues; my main point of contention was Apple not using AMOLED and the cost of storage both of which are being addressed). I'd guess that plenty of the things that bug you on iPhone actually have workarounds too (see VLC, do you have some aversion to using wi-fi, or did you just not know about that ability?).
I suppose it comes down to viewpoint. Some see Android tweaking as a positive, I see it as neutral as its often either required (FYI, file management probably won't work just as well as you're used to on PC; also have fun, as just search on here for the people that were using some popular file management app, where the app maker decided to push people to pay for it by removing features and making the non-pay one an ad-infested data mining nightmare, think there were other issues with it too) or you still can't tweak it to get what you want (but you'll spend plenty of time trying to, and there's less safeguards when it comes to malicious software). And let's not forget software bloat. And if you're someone that isn't very tech/software savvy you might actually find Android to be worse.
Not trying to completely discourage you, just know what you're in for. Hopefully if you do switch you won't have serious problems and it'll go well. I personally would strongly recommend you buy a decent lower end device (Moto G?) or older flagship and try it out before seriously trying to make the switch. That goes double for your wife, since in my experience that is asking for trouble.
That's a shame and a compelling reason to buy unlocked phones.Regarding AV output, I can’t remember the version of iPhone I had, but our van had oldschool RCA cables for an input to the video screen. I had a stack of kids movies and video clips I downloaded in different file formats I wanted to play. An easily obtainable, cheap adapter cable could play from a laptop for example. Even with apple’s proprietorial plug, there were many cheap adapters available on the Internet. However, Apple would put time and my money into updates that would purposely destroy the compatibility so you couldn’t use them. Then they would claim they were doing it improve my “user experience“. There was actually a wasteful cat and mouse game between the developers of the cables and the Apple updates where it would work with certain version for a while. It was ridiculous. I ended up having to do the tedious process of conversions and burning them to physical DVDs so we could play them for the kids.
This is one small example of the kind of thing I don’t like from Apple. A very simple process I want to use that naturaly works, but theyll pour money and time into ruining it so they can make more money.
Do I understand correctly that Android doesn’t do this kind of thing?
Anyway, we went to the our provider (SoftBank) yesterday, and it’s a bit complicated to change over. They’ve stop carrying Samsung, and only have one Sony model as an Android device ( some sort of money grubbing skulduggery at work there I’m sure). Additionally, we have A bunch of other services bundled together with our phones in a package deal, so changing to a provider that offers android is going to be a PITA, and they want to charge some penalties on top of it.
Softbank is mainly pushing Apple now.
Can't argue with switching. I actually just bought an iPhone, been on WP since early 2011. Nearly immediately the Apple lockdown gets in the way - no basic BT file transfer (ie photos). What the hell. My desktop does it, the laptop does it, the Symbian running 808 does it, my Windows Phones do it, our Kindle's do it, my wife's freaking flip phone does it...but not a modern iPhone. Still haven't decided if I will return it and get an Android of some type.
Hi guys
I currently have an iPhone 6+, and need to get a new one. I’m getting fed up with Apple, so pretty much decided to get a new android product. I’ve never even held one, but I’ve been watching a few videos the last couple days and it looks like it may be exactly what I’m after. I just want to make sure I’m not missing anything.
These days, I pretty much exclusively use my phone for searching the web, Internet radio, listening to lectures, making and posting YouTube videos, photos, watching videos, posting on Internet forums, phone calls, voice to text recognition, translation stuff, kids games, and occasionally directions through Google Maps.
There’s a lot of other things I would’ve liked to have done, but I gave up on years ago because trying to do them through Apple actually ended up making me angry.
I have a desktop windows PC, so I’m very used to that format. Being able for example to just download Videos and lectures in any normal format, directly transfer through USB or sd to my phone, and watch and listen via VLC– would just blow me away.
I absolutely hate iTunes, and refused to use it except when I’m forced to when buying a new phone.
I also use headphones almost daily, and the stock Apple ones wear out quickly, and replacements are expensive here. Apparently they’ve also done away with the headphone jack on the newer iPhones, requiring you to buy wireless.
So in summary, I guess the purposeful torpedoing of basic functions like being able to drag and drop a file onto the phone and listen to it, by Apple, has really turned me off. I also noticed a lot of new nag screen pop ups asking me to do things like Apple Pay etc. which I’m not interested in at all.
I have a package deal with our service provider with my wifes phone, so I’ll have to get a Translator to sort out what changing to android Will do, if anything. One of the reasons I haven’t looked into this earlier I guess.
Anything horribly Wacky about android phones compared to Apple I should know that I have missed? Are they fairly easy to use, if so maybe I can convince my tech-phobic wife to change over as well?
Which phone would be good? I like a larger display because I find easier to use, the 6+ size is no problem, I could even go a bit larger as long as I can put it in my pocket.
We’ve spent a lot of money with iPhones over the last decade, and I just realized there’s a lot of basic things that really irritate me and less that I like. Perhaps a new android phone would be a really nice positive change. Thanks.
Reading comments like this is a sad reminder of the limited choice that the US market offers (I'm presuming you're in the US based on your limited comparison). Nothing to do with the average US consumer but definitely the overbearing influence of the carriers. Samsung is NOT android and the choices available are extensive beyond the brainwashing and payment plans US consumers have. Europe and the rest of the world have a more extensive choice, hence the rise of Huawei et al.Switching to Android fine, but based on my experience, stay far, far away from Samsuck. My S7 is a POS in almost every way a modern phone can be.
I'm seriously considering switching back to iOS. There's just nothing in the Android world right now other than the severely over priced Pixel 2 XL. Seriously, same price is an Apple 8+, half the storage, not even a cheap pair of USB-C earbuds, no wireless charging and a screen that isn't as good as the LCD on the iPhone.
Every other decent Android phone is saddled with carrier and/or manufacturer bloatware. No one has more bloatware than Samsuck phones.
Run, run far away from Samsuck.
I apologize for offending your sensibilities but you actually buttressed my point albeit inadvertently it seems. Every phone is a compromise in some way and the current debate on whether the incremental updates on most 2017 flagships justfies the $1,000 price tags is a valid one. The Zuk Edge, Mate 8 and 9 are not $200+ "Chinese" phones as you derogatorily refer to them. They are 2016 flagships that represent excellent value for money now with the near bezel-less styling of 2017, excellent hardware and without the ridiculous prices. The same debate is ongoing with iPhone users and it's been reported that the iPhone 7 is actually outselling the iPhone 8 for the same reasons.^ Can you please keep this kind of garbage in the cesspool of idiocy that is P&N and out of the tech forums? You can do all the mindless virtue signaling you want there.
Personally I waded into the pool of $200+ Chinese phones. Most of them I saw aren't actually worth much more than the asking price (always a cut corner here, a missing feature there, a design skimp and blatant flaw there...) and then the better ones cost nearly as much as a decent name brand flagship.
Sorry, but your virtue signaling aside, I haven't seen the cheaper phone that can begin to hold a candle to the Note 8 or similar top shelf flagship. Would be nice- but that's reality.
You seem to be taking this very personally. I get you may not like my tone but I don't think I've attacked you personally and certainly didn't address you specifically in my original posts. I have only pointed out various options in the Android market to the OP. Since you're not the OP your rant at me is unnecessary. Have a nice day and enjoy whatever phone you choose.^ In your case, it's this crap attitude a lot of people have whereby they feel compelled to 'signal' to everyone what a great person they are- usually by making sweeping "Everyone is an idiot because they don't think just like me!" bullcrap, tied to their political bedwetting. IE: what you're attempting here.
It doesn't actually make your tech opinions any more compelling, and no one really cares how much of the Huawei cool-aid you've swallowed- for many it's just not all that compelling a brand.
I'd personally rather burn $400 than be stuck with a Mate 9. If one were $199 at Target it would only slightly sway my interest- but even then I'd be saying "Do I need this for anything? No. Pass."
I like that budget Android phones exist- obviously plenty of people buy them and enjoy them. Your whinging though that any of these Yuk E's and LeBlech This-n-Thats aren't outselling Samsung or Apple isn't because everyone else isn't 'enlightened' like you clearly believe yourself to be. It's that they aren't for most all that compelling.
Oh do stfu. There is barely any bloat ware at all. Switch back, we really don't care. And, for the record, samsung screens have trumped apple screens for years now, even if they do make it for them. Leave, 5th grade is calling you.Switching to Android fine, but based on my experience, stay far, far away from Samsuck. My S7 is a POS in almost every way a modern phone can be.
I'm seriously considering switching back to iOS. There's just nothing in the Android world right now other than the severely over priced Pixel 2 XL. Seriously, same price is an Apple 8+, half the storage, not even a cheap pair of USB-C earbuds, no wireless charging and a screen that isn't as good as the LCD on the iPhone.
Every other decent Android phone is saddled with carrier and/or manufacturer bloatware. No one has more bloatware than Samsuck phones.
Run, run far away from Samsuck.
Hi guys
I currently have an iPhone 6+, and need to get a new one. I’m getting fed up with Apple, so pretty much decided to get a new android product.
Another 5th grader. My iphone 7 has the worst speaker phone possible. I can barely hear anyone on the earpiece. Are you even serious?If you think you're fed up with Apple, wait till you get Samsung. Samsung phones are a pile of steaming crap. It's literally a piece of turd in a beautiful wrapper.
Samsung phones have a ton of bells and whistles, and the screen looks great, but they fail with the basics. The speakerphone quality/volume is horrible. The earpiece doesn't get loud, and the overall sound quality is abysmal. I already did the same mistake you are trying to make, and ran like hell back to Apple. Don't make the same error.
Another 5th grader. My iphone 7 has the worst speaker phone possible. I can barely hear anyone on the earpiece. Are you even serious?
Let me step in and end this debate right here. iPhone's are the greatest creation ever and no other phone will ever surpass them in iSheep land.Nonsense. And yes, I am VERY serious. All iPhones have excellent sound quality, which cant be said for Samsung.