It's amazing that, although our devices offer features such as LTE, pin-sharp cameras with 1080p recording and screens bereft of a hint of flaw that often, some of the more 'bread and butter' features such as notifications aren't as convenient as they should be, and with such high-end hardware packed into our smartphones, we expect the software to perform at the same advanced level.
Regardless of whether you love it or hate it, Apple has pumped a lot of time, money and resources into the development and release of the Siri virtual assistant. And with rumors that the Siri API will be opened up to developers with the release of iOS 6, Siri is definitely here to stay. In my opinion, there is no reason why someone wouldn't want to have Siri installed on their device, after all, for those who choose to use it, the assistant can be extremely helpful in a lot of situations. And for those who don't wish to bother with it, it doesn't intrude in any way whatsoever.
The ability to run custom launchers is one which certainly gives Android the edge over rivaling mobile OSes, and Go Launcher - a home screen alternative we featured a short while ago - is without doubt one of the best around.
Apple has taken the decision to rename one of its iPad models in the face of criticism from a collection of countries, over the way the 'WiFi + 4G' iPad was named.
Although it can often be detrimental - particularly when a smartphone is lost or misplaced - one of the great things about owning a mobile device in this digital age is that we're required to think less when it comes to menial, everyday tasks. Jotting down events on pieces of paper and reminding ourselves to message people at certain times can now be done with little or no effort, leaving our minds clear to concentrate on more pressing issues, such as dropping a piece of candy into a frog's mouth in Cut The Rope.
3D is all the rage, leaving some with the burning desire to try and create their own 3D content. While they could pop out and pick up an expensive 3D video recorder, owners of a couple of iOS devices can start taking 3D photos right now. Or at least, that's the idea.
Android and iOS are two very different ecosystems, and while it's a matter of opinion as to which one is more superior, each has its strengths and weaknesses. Up until last October's release of iOS 5, the notification system of Apple's mobile OS was nothing more than a whimsical collection of popups and alarms, but the Notification Center soon saw to that, and thanks to iPhone Notifications for Android, a similar system can be replicated on devices running Google's domineering mobile software.
The build-up to WWDC always sees a plethora of rumors and conjecture, and the 2012 event is no different. As it is often the case, a new version of iOS is very much the hotly anticipated product this year, what may or may not find its way into the first beta being disputed across the internet.
According to reports, while the next-generation iPhone is still slated for an October release, Apple are still deciding on design specifics and are yet to finalize anything. So, the giant-screened aluminum monstrosity that is the wet dream of most iPhone concept artists is not a guarantee. As iMore notes, Apple unsurprisingly - they are a highly design-oriented company after all - extensively prototypes all future devices that they plan on releasing.
Music playback is the foundation of the iPhone as we know it, but unfortunately, the native Music app is a teeny bit too safe, meaning while it functions to nigh-on perfection, it doesn't have the cutting-edge looks and visual features of the increasing number of alternatives out there. In short, it does enough to stop us complaining, but doesn't quite offer enough to prevent us from window shopping.
