Apple and Google have released their latest version of the mobile operating systems and both OSs are developed to improve the user experience of the device by improving features like performance and battery life; however, the difference between iOS 9 and Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) will be felt in the user experience. Both iOS 9 and Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) are great OSs and with the help of the review and comparison below, we are setting out to find the difference between them. Let us take a closer look at both the operating systems and get a clearer picture of what is in store for its users.
iOS 9 Review – New Features and Improvements
When the iOS 9 was unveiled at WWDC, it only seemed to have few features. But the latest update has introduced many new features. Apple has been the master of refinement, making subtle changes which make a big difference.
Compared with the iOS 8, the iOS 9 is a much better operating system thanks to the new features that accompany the iOS 9. Another feature is, iOS 9 is able to support iOS 8 supporting devices and, Siri, Apple maps, and notifications have seen a significant improvement from iOS 8. iPad has new features like multitasking which increase the productivity of the user. This feature now also comes with iPad Air 2.
Compatibility
iOS 9 has been designed to be smoother and compatible with many devices applications. It is able to support a variety of Apple devices which proves its compatibility from iPhone 4S to iPad 2. Old devices were not left out this time when moving to the newer operating system. There are rarely any restarts or app crashes with this operating system.
The size of the update is just 1.4 GB and a 4.7 GB free space for installation is not required which is a welcome feature. Otherwise, a lot of apps will need to be deleted in order to install the new file as with iOS 8 which was 4.6 GB.
Siri & Spotlight
Siri and Spotlight have seen the most change compared with the previous operating system. Now Siri comes with a robust list called Siri suggestions which will consist of the four recently used contacts as well as four recently used applications. Siri is at work on the background analyzing what your frequently used apps are and whom you like to contact and make suggestions accordingly. The only disadvantage is that this app cannot be disabled. This can be increased up to eight contacts and apps as required by the user. Siri is even smarter than before and is able to answer random commands and fulfill the task at hand. Siri is said to be 40% faster and 40% accurate, where Google Now is still a bit behind on the intelligence side compared with Siri. Apple says that phones powered by the A9 chipset accompanied by the M9 co-processor will be more efficient and be able to listen all the time.
Apple Maps
Apple maps can be used to quickly find nearby locations like Restaurants and gas stations. There is no customization support available with shortcuts that come with the maps. Now Apple Maps is slowly closing the gap with google maps with noteworthy features like transit directions.
Safari
Now Safari is able to block ads with the use of content blockers from Apple store. Apps will also be able to carry on likes and passwords for a continued app experience. Now the format menu also gives additional fonts and new background colors to make the browsing experience more colorful.
Multi-tasking
With the big screen devices provided by Apple, a drawer full of apps will appear when swiping to the right of the screen. This can be run in tiny applets over the main application in use. This will not force the user to leave the app he is using. This feature is called Slide Over which will turn out to be a very useful app. This feature works well with devices like iPad Air and iPad Minis
Notes
With the use of a choice of three pens, Notes can be used to doodle your thoughts on a pad without any issue. It supports eight colors, ruler for precision which is a useful tool to draw straight lines.
Apple News
The news will be sourced from news providers like CNN and The New York Times. Four headlines will be displayed along with news snippets. The News app provided will be able to display magazine style like the Samsung devices do.
Notifications
As with android, now the notifications are displayed in chronological order. These notifications can be viewed by swiping down on the top menu. Dealing with missed calls and other notifications is made easier with this feature.
Features
The password can be employed up to six digits now, but the user still has the chance to step down to the four digit password. This has been employed to secure the device even further. The font used in the device also has seen a change where the font on the Apple watch, San Francisco typeface has been introduced. These are small changes which give the device a significant attraction to it. Alerts action boxes have seen a revamp with rounded corners this time. Although the font has seen a change, the interface has not changed like with the iOS 7 release.
Now a battery widget also indicates the amount of juice that is available with the device at that particular time. This is a clear indicator that people want to get information in an easy and informative manner.
Another feature with the iOS 9 is, an improved app switcher is displayed when double-tapping on the home button. The apps stack one upon the other to provide for easier access and selection.
When moving from one app to another one, the Wi-Fi carrier signal disappears to be replaced by a “Back to…..” which will take the user back to the app he was using previously in a snap.
Keyboard
When tapping on the shift key, the keys visually change, and the color will also change when switching from lower case and caps. There are no emoji in this version of the operating system which users will need to wait until the next update.
Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) Review – New Features and Improvements
The Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) was released in May at the Google I/O event which is believed to have fixed countless number of bug while being able to host a number of features at the same time. Google as in its true fashion only revealed what the M stood for after some time.
Interface
When compared with the Android Lollipop, Android Marshmallow has the same icons and menus which have not seen a change. The Material design runs in the same manner as with Android Lollipop. The app drawer has seen an obvious change where the apps need to be scrolled vertically. Apps are alphabetically grouped, and the most recently used apps will be displayed on top for easy access.
Doze
With the use of a handset sensor, the new OS will be able to determine if the device is being used and improve the battery life of the device accordingly with the use of Doze. When there is no movement on the device for a long period of time doze is able to kill apps, under clock the processor as well as cause background processes to halt causing it to be more efficient and save power. With this feature, Google has claimed that the standby time can be doubled which if possible is a great feature.
Android Pay
Like Apple Pay, Android will operate by tapping the NFC-enabled device against a wireless payment reader in order to make payments for goods and services. The native fingerprint scanner is supported by Android marshmallow which means payments can be authenticated which a swipe which is convenient.
Now on Tap
Google Now is power-packed this time with Android Marshmallow. This time around, Google Now is context sensitive and is able to perform tasks even within other applications. It is also able to bring up relevant information when emailing or texting regarding a certain topic. Google Now is more smart and useful compared to the Google now we all know. With the new voice API, it is possible for applications to respond where interactive apps are developed.
USB C
Like the Apple’s lightening cables, Android Marshmallow now supports USB C cable which are reversible and provide lighting fast charging speeds of up to five times. It is also able to support faster transfer speeds at the same time which is noteworthy.
Permissions
With Android Marshmallow, we will be able to allow or deny individual permissions without accepting a list of it during the install. It will give the user more control over the application and flexibility on permitting apps on the resources used. This will turn out to be a much-needed privacy feature, and confidential data can be protected even more with the use of this feature.
What is the difference between iOS 9 and Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
Camera Interface:
Android 6.0: The Android 6.0 camera interface has minimal functions which sometimes is all that you need in such a component.
iOS 9: The iOS 9 features more functions which make it easy for the user to make quick and essential changes in order to produce the perfect picture.
Keyboard:
Android 6.0: The Android Marshmallow keyboard has not changed much compared with its previous version. Only a few improvements have been made under the hood. Some may feel it is good enough for the time.
iOS 9: the iOS 9 keyboard now comes in an upper case which has been there with Android keyboards for some time.
App switchers:
Android 6.0: The app switcher of the Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) has remained unchanged largely.
iOS 9: iOS 9 has improved to be more fashionable and functions as if we are turning the pages of a book.
Siri vs. Google Now:
Android 6.0: Google Android Marshmallow does the same inside the launcher. Now on Tap is context aware and is able to find the relevant information quite
iOS 9: Siri suggests regular contacts and applications on the spotlight search page.
These are the features of both the OS’s which have seen a significant amount of improvement. Both are able to make suggestions and proactive easily.
Quick Setting:
Android 6.0: The quick settings panel on the Android OS now are accompanied by do not disturb toggle, and it can be rearranged and customized according to the users preferences.
iOS 9: The iOS 9 features a very attractive quick setting menu. This is the Control center which is well known by iOS users. This also comes with many essential features which are important for applications
Folders:
Android 6.0: With Android 6.0, third-party app can be used to customize the folders.
iOS 9: iOS 9 will not permit such tasks.
iOS 9 vs Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
Summary
As we have compared both operating systems it is clear that the visual appearance of them has not seen much of a change but the functional features have seen a significant revamp in order to provide the users with an exceptional experience. Both are great OS’s which are capable of executing the tasks assigned to then in an efficient and effective manner.