I’ve used lots of mobile device platforms over the years. Taken individually, the differences are minimal and the platforms are comparable. All of them could meet a basic user’s needs and each has great, unique strengths like:
- iOS and its infinite collection of applications is unbeatable
- Android has great ability to be customized to meet very personal preferences
- Windows phone’s tight integration with the desktop is very compelling
Now the vendors and their partners have integrated the platforms across devices with full-blown ecosystems. Email, Contacts, Calendar, Files, Applications and profiles all flow smoothly across devices making it easy to task switch from desktop to phone to tablet and all your data follows you.
- Apple will share cell coverage across devices and allow you to make a call from an iPad or computer using the iPhone’s service.
- Texting/Instant messaging across devices is seamless when you start a discussion on Google Talk with your desktop and finish it on your mobile phone.
- Third party vendors are extending the platforms to fill niche needs to make the experience even better.
When you cross consumer platforms, the integration isn’t always seamless. Trying using Microsoft OneDrive or Google Drive from an Apple Device. It’s possible but it requires more steps to complete. It’s getting better all the time but today having a single, homogeneous platform is the best experience.
My recommendation is to pick an ecosystem and stick with it. The average user is much better off using a single platform with tight integration of services. Apple, Google and Microsoft are creating a unified experience from desktop to tablet to phone in a very consistent user experience. You’ll save yourself time and frustration.