Let’s take a second and step back to take a good hard look at Android. Just for right now, I want to think about what this platform has to offer on its own. As somebody who once was an Android fan, but now touts an Apple device, there are definitely some things that I miss about Android that I can’t get with iOS. However, the last real experience I had with an Android device was (officially) running on Gingerbread. I think it’s time that I look up some of the improvements that have been made to Android, and ask my dear readers what their favorite things about Android are.

I’ve been looking through some comparison charts between the two software versions, and there’s been quite a number of improvements from Gingerbread to Jelly Bean (naturally). Ice Cream Sandwich also added a lot of improvements in between the two versions, so combined I feel like there is a lot I have missed out on. Little tweaks here and there that made the camera UI run smoother, smoother screen rotation, and better stability (an issue I remember well – I once dubbed myself the Queen of Force Closes, but I’m not sure if that makes it official or not) regarding the overall device may be considered “minor” updates to some, but to others it might make all the difference in the world. Personally, the fact that the phone presumably won’t force close nearly as much and the camera apps can load faster is a good part of the reason I strayed towards iOS in the first place. These improvements along with all of the others I’m seeing are what make me want to give my (somewhat) jaded opinion on Android another chance.  

It’s actually quite interesting looking at this chart. I don’t think I’ve ever really sat down and just looked at all of the improvements Android has made since the last time I owned an Android device. I mean sure, I’ve watched videos and see these features in action, and I’ve toyed around with these devices in the store, but there is significance in putting both the knowledge and the experience together. When I tinkered with the device in the store and thought, “These transitions are really smooth,” there was a reason for that – it was implemented. I don’t think I ever had that thought with my EVO 4G (if you can imagine).

Android’s all about customization and how you can always seem to make your phone look different than the next person carrying your same device without having to go through much trouble. Change the wallpaper and add some widgets. You don’t like the look of your lock screen? We have five more designs for you to choose from. What about themes? We have plenty! There’s just so much to do already regarding that aspect of Android, and the amazing part is they just keep adding more. For a lot of people that’s an awful lot of work just to make your phone look and function the way you want it, but for others that’s exactly what they want to see in a smartphone. It’s an aspect that I miss a lot from Android.

So clearly I have a very outdated experience when it comes to Android, and I’ve still got seven months to go before I’m officially available for my upgrade. Unless Sprint comes out with a Windows Phone 8 device, or something about the upcoming BlackBerry 10 just blows me away, I’ve decided I’m definitely getting a new Android device to test out the waters.

But I need your help, readers. From a consumer standpoint, I’d like to know what are some of your favorite features about Android? What made you decide to make Android your platform of choice? What kind of improvements would like you see come from Android in the future? Let me know!