Category Archives: Mobile Operating Systems

Mobile Operating Systems, Technology

Are Task Killers necessary in Android?

As an Android user you are bombarded by the sheer number of Task Killer/Manager applications that swamp the Market.  However, Google will tell you that Android does not need a Task Killer.

One of the first recommendations, usually by store representatives, when you first purchase your new Android device is to promptly download Advanced Task Killer (also known as ATK) to help solve the “apparent” Android memory issue.  I recently watched a YouTuber, phandroid, who spoke in a very informative video HERE concerning the dangers of Task Killers.  The truth is that Android is one of the best multitasking mobile operating systems available.  Why?  Because it monitors and “kills” tasks itself.  The system does not need the users help.  Sometimes you might experience a brief slow down, as you would with any mobile OS, because certain processes are in the middle of starting and stopping.  However, when you are constantly killing apps you could be killing critical applications just because you are concerned about these processes filling up your RAM.

On the other hand, all Android users have at some point used a Task Killer.  I used one until recently; my phone would be killing so many tasks automatically that it would be rendered useless.  My RAM would sink to unbelievable lows because so many processes would get killed and begin again at the same time.  Now, I simply let my phone run as it normally would just with out Automatic Task Manager and use Watchdog Lite and a few root apps (optional) to monitor processes and disable a few start-up apps.  These few changes have made my phone faster than it ever was with a task killer installed.

Bottom line:  While task killers are NOT necessary, it is always good to keep an eye out on your processes.  Generally, Android will kill apps or put them in the background so that your device’s CPU doesn’t get bogged down.  However, try Watchdog Lite from the Android Market.  This app will alert you when an app misbehaves and will allow you to “kill” it; yet, this program will kill one MISBEHAVING app at a time.  This is not a true killer, just a “watchdog” to keep an eye on your processes to ensure that your device runs smooth.

Mobile Operating Systems, Technology

Have tablets ruined the market?

Everywhere you turn you are being bombarded by iPads, Motorola Xooms, Samsung Galaxy Tabs and more!  Why?  What is the fuss about?  Upon the release of Apple’s iPad there has been a frenzy in the technological world for every mobile hardware manufacturer to make a tablet with a mobile OS installed.  This has spurned comments such as, “My tablet can do everything a PC can”, “Why do you need a desktop PC when you can buy an iPad”, and so on.

A tablet will never replace a PC.

Saying that your underpowered tablet can compete with a powerful desktop operating system is complete ludicrous.  Take a look at the markets, you have consumer and business, although the consumers make up most of the market; they do NOT possess most of the money.  Any large PC manufacturer would be unwise to try to negotiate a sell of tablets instead of PCs.  There are several reasons why:

  • You have to give your customers what they want; usually a large company does not like a change as radical and new as this
  • No media drives
  • Lack of power
  • Lack of software support

Those are just a few reasons.  For example, do you know of any reputable law firm that will use iPads instead of desktops to maintain client information and run advanced queries with their data?  Do you know any serious production companies that will drop their trusty Mac Pros or PCs running Premiere Pro or Final Cut to use a pitiful app on a mobile OS?  Do you know any hardcore C++ and .NET programmers that would dare stray away from their beloved machines?

Bottom line:  If you could ever say NO to any of the above questions, then realize that a tablet will never replace a PC.  The only machines that a tablet could replace is a netbook or a low powered laptop in some cases.  Tablets are not meant to replace the desktop OS; however, if used properly they could be a great asset to use alongside one.

Mobile Operating Systems, Technology

Sales ban on iOS products in Europe?

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Well Apple, you started it and Motorola will certainly finish it.  Apple believes that everyone is stealing their wonderful ideas that they put into their precious iOS devices; so, they decide to go to court.  Honestly, if your device is that much better it would outsell the competition right?  Android has came from behind to become the top used mobile operating system.  Not saying that Apple has not built an excellent OS; however, Google has done it better by focusing on distribution and not keeping everything locked away.

Apple has sought to get Samsung and Motorola devices banned in several countries overseas.  Recently, Motorola has proven that Apple has indeed infringed upon them instead of the latter.  Currently, mobile devices from Apple that have cellular networking infringe upon Motorola-owned patent 1010336.

Bottom line:  Apple, let your operating system do the talking.

Mobile Operating Systems, Operating Systems, Technology

WebOS to be open-sourced!!

Open source fanatics rejoice!  HP is not killing off WebOS; they have decided to open-source it so that others can take advantage of this wondrous mobile platform.  HP president and chief executive officer, Meg Whitman, believes that this will increase creativity from the open-source community and advance a new generation of apps devices.

Read the full article from PCMag Here.

I am thrilled that WebOS is not dead; of all the mobile platforms that are available, this happened to be stable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing.  There are no significant road blocks that lie ahead of the road that HP is taking.  In addition, the HP Touchpad will be available on December 11th via the company eBay store for $99 (16 GB) and $149 (32 GB) for the respective refurbished models.  So, this adds to the intelligence of their business move; open-source the OS, then sell a fantastic tablet at a significantly reduced price.  This will put WebOS into many eager hands that are likely to develop and push this platform forward.

Bottom line:  Good move HP.

Mobile Operating Systems, Technology

Carrier IQ; Your phone is watching you!

News has been released that pre-installed tracking and logging software has been found on select Android devices and Apple’s iOS.

Does this really come to a surprise to anyone?

I am not surprised at all; however, I am relieved to find out that my rooted Motorola Droid X does not contain Carrier IQ.  First, let’s put this “malware” into perspective; no matter what we do in the digital world data is consistently being collected about us and we are being targeted as a customer in someone’s eyes.  Second, there is no type of technology that is not guilty.  There are mobile phones that collect our data, as well as computers, websites, and more.

On the other hand, in the grand scheme of things, it is frankly unsettling to know that your beloved, app-centric cellular device is sending information back to your wireless carrier.  Carrier IQ has been alleged to intercept the following:

  • Key presses
  • Call data
  • SMS
  • Web data

Honestly, that is everything that you would use your phone for.  However, there are ways to determine if you have this software embedded deep in your android device with a free app, Carrier IQ Detector, which was created by Lookout.  In addition, iPhone users, need to navigate to Diagnostics & Usage and check Don’t Send, which will not send diagnostic and usage data back to Apple.