Last week I switched from iPhone to Android and this isn’t one of those attempts when I would carry both devices around. I have actually SOLD my iPhone. That’s a first. I have always lost my iPhones thus being forced to try an alternate (read cheaper) phone until I can afford the i again. This time around, I have made up my mind to try Android seriously and find out what is so lovely about this OS. I selected the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, for it offers stock and the latest version of Android on the market.
While I have been told that there is plenty to like in Android, and there sure is, here are the three things that I am missing the most on the Galaxy Nexus.
a) Tap to scroll to the top
iOS has been a story of slowly adding features over the last five years. Some of these are so small and become a part of our daily usage that we only realise it when it isn’t around anymore. Taping on the top of the screen (clock area) to scroll to the top of a long page is one of these features. I have missed this every hour using Android.
PS: I am yet to search for hacks / apps for this. I am sure there would be plenty, but the idea was to experience stock features before applying too many hacks.
b) Cuy, Copy & Paste
I remember the outrage in 2007 when iPhone OS launched without a way to copy and paste text. It is unimaginable to have a smartphone today with that feature. When the features was finally added, it worked and worked well! Of course, this is again one of those small things that you notice only when you switch for a variety. The cut, copy & paste on Android is convoluted, the options appear at times on the top, at times elsewhere and there is no consistency. I would argue that even Windows Phone has a better implementation of copy / paste than Jelly Bean.
c) On Screen QWERTY
This is one of the things I was sure that iOS leads by far and no wonder I am missing the onscreen typing experience. Touchpal (Swype) is a good alternative that I am trying, but the auto-correct and crispness in typing on the iOS keyboard remains unmatched. The keys on Android just don’t feel that responsive and lively. Guess Apple did their homework too well before launching the 1st iPhone without any physical input buttons.