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The difference between iOS and Android, design-wise, can be summed in a single word: magic. iOS aims for it. Android doesn’t want it. Well, that is perfectly v

The difference between iOS and Android, design-wise, can be summed in a single word: magic. iOS aims for it. Android doesn’t want it. Well, that is perfectly vague and wishy-washy. Does Gruber actually think that the Android team doesn't want "magic", whatever that means? Android has a different aesthetic than iOS. You can quibble over which you think is more usable or more attractive, but just straight claiming Android doesn't want a nebulous term borrowed from Apple's ad copy is a weird way to knock the platform.

culturestate 16y ago
I think the point that he's (poorly) trying to make is that Apple, both through design and through marketing, is positioning iOS as a warm, embracing experience that brings you joy - while Android is (willingly) being painted as a cold, efficient tool that lets you accomplish the task at hand but doesn't want you to stay for dinner.
- Kylekramer 16y ago
  If that is his point, I'd have to disagree. In marketing, yes, that holds true. But when it comes to warmth/non functional touches of the actual OS, Android almost has that to a fault (live wallpapers that unnecessarily task the phone, but are fun and playful; widgets that can be almost MySpace-esque; the old fashioned tube TV lock animation; etc.). Especially when compared the mostly functional and staid grid of icons and clean lines iOS goes for with the occasionally playful skeuomorphism. I guess to just boils down to Gruber preferring iOS.
  - 2muchcoffeeman 16y ago
    Adding non functional touches that serve little purpose is not what Apple tries to do though. Their little touches all add to making things better for the user (at least they hope it does). Contrast this to live wallpapers. I have only seen a few, but they appear to serve no purpose other than to allow yet more customization and drain battery life.
    - Kylekramer 16y ago
      Never said the Android method was superior (I think a good analogy is Android is the Myspace to iOS's Facebook), just pointing out that pigeonholing Android as pure function over warmth is BS that people like Gruber like to say to marginalize Android as a neckbeard loser's choice instead the massively popular general OS that it is.

culturestate 16y ago

I think the point that he's (poorly) trying to make is that Apple, both through design and through marketing, is positioning iOS as a warm, embracing experience that brings you joy - while Android is (willingly) being painted as a cold, efficient tool that lets you accomplish the task at hand but doesn't want you to stay for dinner.

Kylekramer 16y ago
If that is his point, I'd have to disagree. In marketing, yes, that holds true. But when it comes to warmth/non functional touches of the actual OS, Android almost has that to a fault (live wallpapers that unnecessarily task the phone, but are fun and playful; widgets that can be almost MySpace-esque; the old fashioned tube TV lock animation; etc.). Especially when compared the mostly functional and staid grid of icons and clean lines iOS goes for with the occasionally playful skeuomorphism. I guess to just boils down to Gruber preferring iOS.
- 2muchcoffeeman 16y ago
  Adding non functional touches that serve little purpose is not what Apple tries to do though. Their little touches all add to making things better for the user (at least they hope it does). Contrast this to live wallpapers. I have only seen a few, but they appear to serve no purpose other than to allow yet more customization and drain battery life.
  - Kylekramer 16y ago
    Never said the Android method was superior (I think a good analogy is Android is the Myspace to iOS's Facebook), just pointing out that pigeonholing Android as pure function over warmth is BS that people like Gruber like to say to marginalize Android as a neckbeard loser's choice instead the massively popular general OS that it is.