About a year ago, I asked all of you whether or not you’re invested in one particular ecosystem over another. For me, the ecosystem is just as important as the device I buy, because with the bigger focus on the cloud, as well as a larger range of devices to buy, it’s not just about one smartphone anymore. Now, it’s all about the way that we connect our devices, and the ways that we can sync those experiences from one device to another. That’s why, now, I want to know which ecosystem you prefer and why.
Simply put, the game has changed quite a bit from last year. There is more to love, and more features to help maximize the experience.
As it stands right now, the ecosystem has evolved quite a bit. Earlier this year, we saw Apple unveil their “new” iOS 6, along with plenty of iCloud support thrown in to make sure that all the devices you run iOS 6 on are in sync at all times. (Or, at least, that’s the goal. Some would argue the execution, though.) More to the point, though, is the fact that Apple’s Mac OS X also has features that support syncing with iOS 6, such as iMessage/Messages, which makes the overall Apple-based ecosystem something worthwhile to those who use iCloud, or apps that function better with its inclusion.
A few weeks after that, Google unveiled Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Along with that, we’ve got new Nexus tablets, and even a new Nexus phone (running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, for the record). There are also plenty of other Android-based tablets out there, of which don’t necessarily need to be running the newest version of Android to have access to the Google-branded cloud services included within Drive, or even the Google Play store.
And then, while initially introduced earlier this year, the big Microsoft event happened this past October, where the Redmond-based company unveiled all the cool new things Windows Phone 8 can do. It wasn’t a surprise to hear that Microsoft is banking on the cloud, or their growing ecosystem, either. With services like Xbox Music, Microsoft is trying to embrace the cloud, and put a stronger emphasis on the total ecosystem, especially with the likes of SkyDrive, and its ability to link Windows Phone 8 with Windows 8 relatively seamlessly. (And we can’t forget the connection with the Xbox 360, thanks to apps like Xbox SmartGlass.)
The ecosystem is a big part of each manufacturer’s gamble in the mobile market. For Apple, it’s not just about how iOS plays with other iOS-based devices, but also how those mobile things you love so much work together with their desktop/full computer offerings. The same goes for Microsoft. These companies are banking on you loving the experience from your mobile device to your computer, and back again. Honestly, I believe this is exactly the right move to make. I love when my ecosystem works well together, especially when it is absolutely effortless.
But who has the best ecosystem? That’s what I want to hear from you, Dear Reader. I want to know why you choose one over the other, especially now that all of the major manufacturer’s options have gotten drastically better, with more options. Do you use Apple’s? Why? Why not? Did you jump on board Microsoft’s offering? Or are you still using Google’s brand for all your digital ecosystem needs? Let me know!
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