Sure a smartphone’s specs matter-you definitely want one with a fast processor, bright screen and decent camera. But all that horsepower is wasted if the phone is difficult to use. That’s why, when it comes to user experience, nothing is more important than a phone’s operatmg system. A good as OS intuitive enough to be figured out in seconos, easy to navigate and can run a mountain of apps. Here’s what you need to know about five top smartphone platforms.
Android OS (Motorola Droid, Google Nexus One, HTC Hero) – The Google-developed Android OS has a plethora of apps (free auto navigation!) that are absent on the iPhone. Android is available on many different phones, and on all major carriers. Its app store is still a distant second to the iPhone’s particularly when it comes to games. The multitude of Android phones means some of them could have issues supporting someapps.
Blachberry OS (All Blachberry phones) – Its unrivaled business acumen extends from solid e-mail and messaging services to its appearance on phones with famously thumb·friendly keyboards. The OS feels a bit dated next to the flashier competition. lts app store can’t compete with the iPhone’s.
iPhone OS (Apple iPhone 3G, Apple iPhone 3GS) – Unparalleled usability and as intuitive as they come. The Apple App Store defined the field and still has the most (and the best) apps-particularly when it comes to games. The platform is notoriously closed-Apple restricts what sort of apps developers can create for it. Minor differences aside, there is really only one phone to choose from. No multitasking.
Palm web OS (Palm Pre, Palm Pixi) – Extremely fast and easy to use, with topnotch multitasking. Phone-wide ·universal search” makes it very easy to find files and contacts across programs. Its app selection is
very thin, as is the roster of webOS phones. Palm’s uncertain financial future means there’s a real risk that webOS will be a short-lived platform.
Windows Phone OS (Samsung Omnia II, HTC Imagio) – The platform is powerful and filled with features-as long as you can navigate its archaic interface. A ray of light: The upcoming Windows Phone 7 (due in late 2010) should improve the experience. Notoriously sluggish and the most difficult OS to use. Finding simple functions on the frustrating interface can involve digging through multiple menus.
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