The operating system battle of the decade is now afoot, as Android Oreo vs. iOS 11 gets into full swing. Google has just announced its next-generation operating system, while the iOS 11 software is expected to launch roughly at the same time as the iPhone 8. This will be one of the more intriguing contest among the two most widely used operating systems worldwide, but which of the two platforms offers the better features?
ANDROID OREO VS. iOS 11
Major innovation
Android Oreo vs. iOS 11 will always be defined by the major innovations included in the software, and it it thus interesting to examine the most heavily promoted aspects of the two operating systems.
The new Picture in Picture Mode is arguably the standout feature included in Android Oreo. This functionality makes it possible, for example, to Watch YouTube and utilize other applications simultaneously.
Already used in Apple’s iPad range, Picture in Picture Mode enables one supported app to effectively lie on top of another. This changes the multitasking environment of the Android system, and provides extra convenience for users.
Augmented reality
Probably the biggest feature in iOS 11 is the support for augmented reality. This major innovation will change the way that users think about the iconic Apple smartphone, with ARKit launching as part of the iOS 11 system.
This will make it possible for users to run high-end augmented reality features in applications without the need for developers to produce the AR system independently. Support will also be offered for notable augmented reality software, with perhaps the most obvious example being Pokémon Go.
Practical approach
Aside from the new innovations, Android Oreo vs. iOS 11 is also primarily about delivering convenience to users. After all, the smartphone itself is primarily intended to make life easier for people on the go.
Essential to this ethos with Android Oreo is the inclusion of faster boot times. Google claims that its new operating system will significantly reduce the amount of time taken to boot up one’s smartphone. Applications will also run faster according to the mega-corporation, meaning that those with Android devices benefit significantly.
The new Android operating system also restricts background activity, saving power and ensuring that each Android device now possesses a longer battery lifecycle.
Of all new features included in the iOS 11 system, the Do Not Disturb While Driving Mode is probably the most obvious example of built-in convenience. The next-generation iPhone will be able to block text messages and social media posts while driving thanks to this car safety upgrade. This feature promises to be a useful item of functionality in a climate in which we are all pretty much constantly on-call.
Aesthetic tweaks
The Android Oreo vs. iOS 11 battle will also naturally come down to which one of the two operating systems can deliver the more physically attractive proposition. Arguably the iOS operating system has particularly excelled in this area over the years, but there’s no doubt that Android has closed the gap in recent iterations.
With Google looking to improve the situation still further with Android Oreo, adaptive icons have been introduced, providing nifty animations when users interact with them. What is particularly attractive for Google in this area is that Apple has yet to conceive of a similar feature in the iOS family.
However, Apple has responded with iOS 11 by introducing a natural-sounding version of the renowned Siri software. This will make utilizing the iPhone 8 a more attractive proposition, particularly as personal assistants are become a more prominent part of everyday life and mobile usage in particular.
Other features
And there are other major new features to consider in this Android Oreo vs. iOS 11 war as well. Android Oreo now offers native support for LDAC, Sony’s hi-res Bluetooth audio codec, as the software attempts to deliver improved audio performance.
New emojis will also be included in Android Oreo, while notification dots are another intriguing new feature. These enable notifications to be identified more quickly and dealt with more efficiently.
Google is also strongly pushing the instant apps feature, which enables users to utilize applications without actually installing them. Software can instead be accessed via the web browser, making the Android Oreo platform a more lightweight proposition. Oreo will also include an autofill option within Android, making it easier and quicker to sign into software solutions.
This sits alongside a raft of new accessibility features, possibly the highlight of which is the inclusion of simple audio controls and quick access from the navigation bar.
Apple has responded with iOS 11 by including a new Wi-Fi password sharing feature. This will make it easier for friends and other trusted users to tap into the Wi-Fi associated with your particular iDevice.
iOS 11 also includes an updated Live Photos feature, which will enable Apple users to record their own short videos by selecting the new Loop and Bounce option. This is an amusing little feature which utilizes High Efficiency Image Format to condense the file size of content, effectively ensuring that phone storage is not used up unnecessarily.
iPad users are also treated to more updates with the iOS 11 system, with the software enabling users to drag and drop files between applications. Switching between apps will also become easier than ever, accessible via swiping upward to open and close the various items of software. iOS 11 will also allow iPad users to utilize file managers, with iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive all supported.
Conclusion
Android Oreo vs. iOS 11 will undoubtedly be an intriguing contest between two excellent pieces of software. It does seem, though, that Google has included more updates in is operating system this time round. Apple will perhaps focus on is augmented reality functionality, which looks to be the standout feature in iOS 11 this year, and arguably a genuinely revolutionary one. No doubt arguments between advocates of Android and iOS will continue to rumble on.
