Bye-bye iPhone

Upon my return to Uni, I discovered that my new house was practically falling down, and that it was probably all my landlord’s fault. Not only that, but we had been joined by a collection of rodents who had made home amongst our Tupperware. So, in dire need of a pick-me-up, I bought a new phone.

Ah, “so what’s the new iPhone 3G S like then?” I hear you ask. Wouldn’t know. Didn’t buy one (as you may have guessed by the title of this very post). In fact, I went out with the intention of buying Apple’s latest mobile creation – a sensible choice considering I already loved my first-gen iPhone – but the lady in the O2 shop was rude so I bought the HTC Hero on Orange instead (it’s a simple matter of principle you see).

The HTC Hero's "Sense" User Interface

Why the iPhone is so freaking-awesome.

Just because I don’t have an iPhone any more, doesn’t mean I don’t like them. In fact, I genuinely believe they are the perfect phone for the general public. It serves all the functions you could ever want in a phone, in a clear matter-of-fact way… one that only Apple can provide. The iPhone really has the user in mind, which makes it ideal for Joe Bloggs.

However, I’m not Joe Bloggs. What I want is something more (I’m a demanding son o’ bitch). I don’t want an App Store where applications have to go through a screening process before being deemed worthy. I want a phone that is inviting to developers; where the latest bit of technology, however sketchy it may be, is available to me… right now. That’s why I ditched the iPhone.

Why Android is even more freaking-awesome.

Google’s Android is open source. For those of you who don’t know, that basically means anyone can contribute to the software, and ultimately it is free to use and develop. This means that Android has less restrictions than the iPhone. The iPhone must conform to incredibly high standards, which means software must be near perfect before it can be released. Android software can be released and developed upon without restriction, bringing new technology and ideas to everyone.

Up-close of the Hero's default home screen

But it doesn’t matter how awesome Android is.

Because my phone is not made by Android. My phone is an HTC Hero… made by HTC. While HTC use Android as the platform, they have more control over the software than you may think. The whole look-and-feel is determined by HTC, as well as how your phone connects to other devices. It is a shame, therefore, that HTC are rubbish.

When I originally got hold of my Hero, I immediately noticed it was a bit choppy. Sliding around on the home screens and scrolling down emails didn’t feel at all smooth. This was all down to HTC’s “Sense” user interface. Admittedly, this problem was fixed with a firmware update, but it wasn’t a good omen.

Shockingly (and this really is disgusting) the HTC Hero will only synchronise with a Windows PC. This also means that firmware updates must be applied using a PC, and I had to borrow my girlfriend’s laptop in order to update my phone! I was simply appalled. Granted, all my emails and contacts etc synchronise wirelessly, but it’s another matter of principle.

This isn’t surprising, however, when you consider that HTC also manufacture phones for the Windows Mobile platform. Clearly, HTC do not agree with the same ideals that Android is working towards. This is where Android falls short. Apple are in control of the iPhone, from head to toe. This means that the product reflects what the company stands for. Android, on the other hand, is hijacked by companies such as HTC, and made into something it is not.

I regret nothing.

Fortunately, HTC haven’t done enough damage to put me off my new phone. When I wipe-away all the clutter HTC have stuffed on, I can still catch a glimpse of pure Google… and that makes it better than an iPhone any day.

Photos by louisvolant and patrick h. lauke.