Exstatica

This whole post started from the iPhone VS HTC EVO debate.

I’m frankly kind of sick and tired of comparing these phones, there is one huge issue with every comparison.

We’re going to start with types of users.

Heavy User: A user who knows how to abuse their phone, hacks/cracks, or even listens to streaming Pandora all day long, maybe watches youtube for a few hours. They sync with their networks constantly. Usually 6-8 hours on their phone a day.

Power User: A user who syncs with multiple services, has multiple email accounts, social networking, phone usually set to the default of an hour or 2, most email set as items arrive. Has lots of applications installed, and plays about 3-4 hours a day on their phone.

Common User: A user who uses their phone to check facebook, sms, take a few pictures. A pretty common user spends an average 1-2 hours a day on their phone.

Lets compare that per platform.

I’m going to put some very good educated guesses on what this data is. I’ve done some research, and I think its mostly accurate.

First up is Android Users;

So what we have here is a chart showing the breakdown of data for an Android Handset. As you can see Power users are set the highest. The reason is more of a catch 22. Google, and HTC build these phones for Power users. The issue is everyone is becoming a Power user. So when a common user picks up this phone, they are prompted to input all of their logins and networks, and everything. Next thing you know the device is syncing with half the world. That user now becomes a power user by default. I don’t care if you stopped using your phone, you’re phone has now made you a Power User.

How does this effect battery life?  We’ll get to that in just a minute.

Now iOS (iPhone) Users.

Left chart is Pre iOS 4 users.

Right are users who are Post iOS

See the huge difference? iOS users are going to change. Welcome to the club.

The new OS is just like Android. its user friendly, and wants to you connect to all of your happy places. So instead of users becoming common users by default on an Apple Phone, they now automatically upgrade to a Power user. I call this Natural Progression of Technology VS Industry Progression of Technology. People want more, but need it faster.

Technology is a great thing, but there has always been an issue of user demands vs technological development. We have finally reached that point where Technology cannot keep up with our Natural need of information, and connectivity.

So lets talk about importance here. Battery life, its the pinnacle of our downfall in the technology world. This has created a smartphone war.

Lets put aside the app stores, OSes, features, and who has the biggest megapixel. Lets talk about something that effects everyone regardless of platform. Battery life effects us all. iPhone is no exception… well at least not yet. You don’t think the iOS 4 is going to effect battery life? Multitasking brings on a huge amount of change. It changes the behavior of users. It changes how you will use your phone, you will become a power user no matter how hard you try not to.

So just be warned, that while companies are improving battery life, the technology just doesn’t exist yet. No matter how bad you want it.

So complain all you want about my HTC EVO’s battery life, its fine, I get 10+ hours on a charge, but I know what to run and not what to run. Hopefully, Foyo will solve a lot of those issues.