Every era seems to have its technology debates. The 1980s saw VHS versus Betamax. The first decade of 2000 pitted personal computers against the McIntosh. This decade’s battle is shaping up to be the iPhone versus the Android. The Google based operating system seems to be the underdog in the battle now, but due to some exciting apps, the Android appears to be a worthy competitor.
The Google Reader might be the most popular app for scanning RSS feeds, but Android users also have the option of using NewsRob to quickly get through feeds. The clean interface requires only a few quick clicks to get through. Stories can be easily sent by email, Twitter or to EverNote. Getting through hundreds of headlines in less than an hour is not a problem with the NewRob. The interface works for serious news junkies, but it is also simple enough for people with only simple information needs.
Another interesting app is the Dropbox. This app uses the power of “The Cloud” an Internet-based computing system where shared servers provide resources, software and other resources in an on demand like format. The Dropbox uses this system as an online storage folder than can access multiple computers. Rather than emailing large files they can be uploaded through DropBox. by using Dropbox on the Android file can be accessed via the Android from anywhere.
Carriers charge for visual voicemail, but Google Voice providesd transcripts of voicemail messages for free. The Google Voice device allows user to see a transcript of message and play them back without dialing into voicemail. It might take a few minutes to make a transcription, but being able to screen calls might be worth the wait for some.
The Android OS is not going into the fight without bringing some powerful features. The era of the smartphone has arrived, and the Android offers plenty of bells and whistles to keep the public interested.