Android vs iPhone
Android and iPhone are software platforms for cellular phones. While "iPhone" can also refer to the phone itself, "Android" specifically refers to the operating system running on a phone or device.
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[edit] Software
[edit] Operating System
Android is an Open Source project headed originally by Google, and now by the Open Handset Alliance. The iPhone OS is proprietary software developed by Apple, although it is built on top of some Open Source components, such as WebKit.
[edit] Applications
Android has an open framework to allow anybody to modify the operating system itself and to develop applications for it. Apple provides an SDK for the iPhone that allows developers to access most of the iPhone's features, but is highly restricted.
Programs written for Android are usually written in java, although other languages also run on the JVM and host CPU. All applications released through the iPhone App Store must be written in C, C++ or Objective-C. It is rumored that Android's Dalvik virtual machine may eventually allow use with other bytecode languages like Python and Ruby.
[edit] Features
It lacks among other features: The following is no longer true:
- Worst of class search (worse than iOS, BlackBerry, Symbian, and Microsoft Windows Mobile). It will not search in any other field other than Name on contacts. Android Issue 3732: Search: Improve contact search. iOS lets you search most applications.
[edit] Hardware
iPhone and the iPhone OS are exclusive to Apple Computer. No one else can make an Apple branded iPhone.
The Android OS is available for use by any manufacturer or end user who wishes, and at no cost. The Android OS, due to its open nature, is also available for use on other devices besides just mobile phones, such as netbooks, UMPCs/MIDs and even desktops.
[edit] iPhone Models
- iPhone (first gen)
- iPhone3G (second gen)
- iPhone3GS (third gen)
- iPhone4 (fourth gen)
- iPhone4S (fifth gen)
- iPhone 5 (sixth gen)
the iPhone OS is also used for the iPod Touch series of portable music players and in the iPad tablet.
[edit] Android Phones
Due to its open nature, Android has been installed aftermarket by enthusiasts to such hardware as the OpenMoko Free Runner, Nokia N770, N800 & N810 MIDs, and Asus EeePCs.
