Android M and iOS 9: Comparison of two operating systems from Apple and Google

Last night, Apple took advantage of WWDC 2015 to officially remove iOS 9, the latest major version of the operating system for iPhone and iPad. An announcement made at Google I/O 2015, about ten days after Android M. Don’t be tempted to compare the two. better understand the strengths and weaknesses of each.

• on the same subject : Summary of major new features of iOS 9

While Android M improves on what has already been launched in Lollipop, bringing enough new features for us to talk about a major release, Apple has done everything possible to improve the user experience of its devices. A software refresh following the change of direction adopted with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. Therefore, considerable efforts have been made on both sides, but Which of the two operating systems is the most impressive ?

Proactive, Apple’s answer to Google Assistant

In 2011, Apple released Siri, an intelligent voice assistant that was only available on the iPhone 4S at the time. In June of the following year, Google announced the arrival of Google Now, a contextual personal assistant that continues to evolve over time. Determined to catch up with its rival, Apple introduced Proactive last night. A contextual voice assistant that aims to provide the user with the information they need, when they need it.

Connected to the search assistant and Siri, Proactive provides the user with personalized recommendationsit shows him nearby restaurants and stores, reminds him of an appointment time received by email, and centralizes news feeds with deep links to source apps, most frequently used apps, and favorite contacts.

In summary, Proactive offers almost the same as Google Assistant. Apart from that, Google Assistant has improved over the years and more recently with its “On Tap” functionality, which lets you get information about the content displayed by clicking an area of ​​the screen. So, even if Apple’s proposed solution looks convincing, it will probably have to wait for it to achieve a certain experience impact before it can achieve Google Now tier.

Multiple windows on both sides

With iOS 9, Apple is finally bringing multi-window to its operating system. Still, it’s a feature that will remain very limited as it will only be available on the iPad Air 2. While it would be necessary with a 5.5-inch screen and knowing that Samsung is a thing of the past, it is out of the question to take advantage of it on the iPhone 6 Plus. It has been offering it on its Galaxy Note since 2012. We also think that this time Apple won’t accuse its Korean competitor of copying it.

As we saw earlier during the conference, the user will be able to use and Display two apps at once on your iPad Air’s screen 2. For example, he can watch a video while reporting status on Facebook.

Ironically, Android M should also mark the arrival of multi-windows on Google OS. For now, the option is hidden deep in the developer options but a little manipulation can already enable it, as for example on the Nexus 9 below.

Therefore, we have a good chance of finding it in the final version. We don’t know yet how it will be spelled out as we know Google hasn’t communicated about this new feature, but in any case it’s compatible with both smartphones and tablets. In summary, one more point for Google.

A more advanced virtual keyboard from Apple

In terms of ergonomics, iOS 9 brings some pretty nice improvements to the virtual keyboard. In addition to suggestions, the top bar welcomes new options such as bold or underline and even copy/paste, making it more accessible. In addition, the keyboard is enrichedtrackpad function It will make text selection easier for copy/paste.

For its part, the Google keyboard is also thriving, in particular, with a function that lets you. divide the writing area in half on the shelves, to facilitate two-handed typing. A function that has been on the iPad for several years. We cannot say that Google is ahead on this side.

Apple Maps and Google Maps

If the superiority of Google Maps can no longer be proven, Apple Maps has always lagged behind, although Nokia Here continues to gain ground. Did Apple get it right by disabling Google’s mapping solution to integrate its own solution in 2012? It remains to be proven. No doubt, he took it too soon. Still, Apple Maps is improving this year, especially with the Transit functionality. public transport centered city map.

However, iPhone and iPad users should not be too quick to rejoice, as initially this functionality will only be available in certain Chinese and American cities. Moreover, even if the venture remains good, Apple Maps will still have a long way to go before it can reach the level of its competitors.

Google Maps will soon welcome an offline navigation mode that has been popular with users for a very long time. However, it will be offered first in developing countries where access to data is sometimes limited.

Greatly improved Notes app

A fairly simple notepad tool until now, the Notes app is evolving to offer something that can be compared to a real word processing tool. Notes now offers real layout options and different templates depending on the nature of the document you want to create, such as a shopping list. Something that is already available in some third-party apps in the Play Store but not natively on Android.

It will also be possible to integrate images into documents and even draw. This is reminiscent of the S Note app found on tablets and phablets in the Samsung Galaxy Note series.