The smartphones will be among the stars of Christmas gifts. If one believes the research firm GfK, it would take 12 million of these smart phones this year, as much as conventional models!The choice is vast. Cameras more and more powerful, wide screen, high definition and even 3D sound improved, more powerful processors, voice commands, these manufacturers more sophisticated phones every month. However, most may be elsewhere, should not only focus on technical performance to make his choice, but also look to the operating system on which the smartphone is working.
"This software has become more important than the equipment itself," slice Daniel Gleeson, an analyst at IHS Screen Digest. "The technical characteristics are not well understood by everyone, however, an interface that is intuitive and reliable is something each of us can immediately appreciate, he says. The success of the iPhone 4 and 4S face of technologically superior products is a proof. "
However, few buyers interested in the OS (operating system or OS in English) on their smartphone. According to a survey by Forrester, 36% of smartphone owners do not know what OS they use and 35% do not even know that word!
Four systems now dominate the market. Apple has developed iOS, which only works on devices of the brand. Google offers Android, which was selected by Samsung, Sony Ericsson, LG to name a few. BlackBerry has developed its own system to its terminals. The software giant Microsoft created Windows Phone, used especially by HTC or Nokia, which was chosen for its new smartphones.
The choice of a system is not trivial. First, because it is often the final! Almost one fifth of consumers with iPad or iPhone smartphone is that change is more difficult than to transfer their accounts to another bank, according to a study by GfK.
Then, everyone does not even use his smartphone. Some merely call and check emails, while others collect the programs on their device. So many to choose a system appropriate to their needs and also to his wallet.
A good interface must first be intuitive. No way to spend hours immersed in the user manual. On this point, Apple has been hard with the iPhone. However, Android, with the new version of its operating system called "Ice Cream Sandwich" is similar to the Apple brand.
"The experience of the user on an Android phone is now close to that of the iPhone," Judge Caroline Noublanche, Director at Doro, a brand specializing in phones for seniors, which will launch its smartphone in 2012. "Access to other Google products (Gmail, Google Maps, Calendar ...) makes the familiar use of Android," said Daniel Gleeson.
However, this finding must be qualified. "Using an Android device varies depending on the brand, the product. Indeed, every manufacturer integrates and adapts as it sees fit," warns Thomas Husson, Forrester analyst. Moreover, "half of the devices running Android older releases, depriving phones and some features may pose security problems," said Daniel Gleeson.
BlackBerry side, despite undeniable progress, the latest version of the OS is not as friendly as its competitors, and making due out in 2012 a new version. Finally, Windows Phone, with a provision elegant and innovative features, is now easier to use. "Microsoft, which is also the owner of software like Office (Word, Excel ...), makes the platform particularly attractive for use in a professional," Daniel Gleeson points.
The number of applications available must also direct his choice. These small programs are not compatible with phones, they must be broken down into as many versions as systems. Apple beats all its competitors far, BlackBerry and Windows being particularly behind. The App Store currently offers more than 500 000 applications have been downloaded more than 18 billion times.
However, the number of applications available for Android phones has increased dramatically in recent months. However, a caveat: "The diversity of Android devices can not adapt the games to all phones," said Daniel Gleeson.
For those who want to stay connected to their tribe, access to social networks (Facebook, Twitter ...) is important. It is mostly through dedicated applications. Only Windows Phone has been a particularly successful integration work.
Finally, many users want to easily share the content of their smartphone (photos, music ...) on other devices (computer, tablet ...). On this point, Windows phones, but above all iPhones stand. Apple just launched their service and iTunes Match for storing all its music library on servers. It is thus available on all its aircraft, provided you have Wi-Fi access
The choice of an operating system may also have financial consequences. Terminals Apple are more expensive than others. Android is a system available for free from manufacturers, phones running on this platform are more competitive.
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