Windows 10 vs. macOS Sierra: Microsoft and Apple Battle It Out for the Best Operating System; Specs and Features Compared
Mac versus PC. This battle has been going on since the dawn of the computer era. Until now, computer geeks, tech critics and casual enthusiasts dish out their own opinions as to which platform is better. Today, we take a closer look at the new macOS Sierra from Apple and the Windows 10 from Microsoft.
User Interface
The design language of all Apple software is virtually similar. The cohesiveness across all platforms offer flat and colorful visuals that entice its users. There are also a couple of new interesting macOS Sierra features such as the Picture-in-Picture video, which we first saw in the iPad, and the integration of tabs even in third-party apps.
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On the other hand, Windows has no doubt revolutionized the fresh and dynamic design of the operating system arena. The system design of Windows 10 geared toward both desktop and tablet users, featuring a wide range of trinkets that make cross-platform usage a lot more efficient.
Web Browsing
The Microsoft Edge was just introduced last year with the Windows 10, replacing the infamous Internet Explorer. It was only in the Anniversary Edition that the browser gained the ability to support extensions. Apple's Safari browser, along with almost all third-party browsers, is natively capable of doing this. With a much bigger developer team and a longer head start, Safari offers better browsing experience than the Microsoft Edge Browser.
Multitasking
The Windows 10 environment is primarily focused on productivity and efficiency. This includes working with multiple apps at once. The macOS Sierra also has this feature at hand. However, Windows 10 allows users to easily snap four different windows at once, while the macOS Sierra only supports up to two apps in its split screen view.
Cross-Platform Integration
Cross-platform integration has been one of the strongest suits of the Apple products. With millions, or even billions, of iPhones, iPads, and Macs currently out in the public, the macOS, iOS, and other Apple platforms seamlessly connect with one another using a single account. With Windows' case, however, devices running on Windows are nowhere near the iPhone. It has to integrate with devices through other platforms (like Android or other operating systems) to fully take advantage of its cross-platform capabilities.
Virtual Assistants
It's hard to imagine the Apple virtual environment without Siri since its introduction. The virtual assistant has set the industry standard for a human-like interaction between the user and the computer. Windows 10's Cortana is not far behind though, as it can also do most of the tasks that Siri is capable of. However, macOS Sierra offers deeper integration with Siri through better software optimization.
Pricing
Windows 10 was offered for free when it was first introduced last year. After the free period though, the operating system now costs $119. The macOS Sierra, however, is part of Apple's tradition of upgrading their Mac devices for free. Apple's lifetime upgrade to all supported devices ensure that only the best and latest is installed in all Mac devices.
