iOS 7 Vs. Android 4.2, JellyBean: Apple Plays Catch-up

By Vincent Funaro, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Apple introduced the radically redesigned iOS 7 yesterday at the World Wide Developers Conference.

The software brings many new features to the Apple eco-system that seem to mirror a lot of what is already available on the latest builds of the Android platform. The new lock screen for the iPhone even looks strikingly similar to the version found on the Nexus 4 and Galaxy Nexus.

Apple fans were excited to see the company completely change the look of the OS, but how do the rest of the updates hold up against Android?

Apple introduced a new feature called AirDrop that allows users to share files with others in their vicinity while connected to Wi-Fi. This appears to be Apple's alternative to NFC currently found on most Android powered devices. However, it falls kind of flat due to the fact the Android already possesses this type of capability with Wi-Fi Direct.

The iPhone will also now have a command center that can be accessed from anywhere on the device. It can be found with a quick swipe up from the bottom of the screen. Unfortunately for Apple, Android has already introduced this feature on devices such as the Galaxy S4 with its double finger down swipe from the top of the screen which immediately grants the user access to any setting from anywhere on the smartphone. Apple has also added music controls to this command center. Android has had this capability for a long time.

Apple also showed off a new form of multi-tasking on the software that only runs in the background when it thinks you want to access frequently used apps. It is designed to learn from a user's patterns so that it can better conserve battery life. If it functions efficiently, it could be something Apple will have over Android.

Apple added some other features which can found here.

The company refreshed its software, however, it feels like it is playing catch-up with Android, who appears to be years ahead in terms of features. And with a new version of JellyBean on the way, Apple might have to make some more adjustments before the official rollout that is set to take place this fall.