Not sure what type of tablet you want to buy? There is a mind-boggling array of choices on the market – but, you can narrow your options by choosing the tablet operating system that best suits your needs. Take a look at the features and uses of the three major tablet operating systems to help you decide.
Apple iOS
Designed with a simple and clean feel, the Apple iOS is ideal for the minimalist – or for anyone who appreciates an easy-to-use tablet layout. With iOS, you can keep your most-used app shortcuts in the tray at the bottom of the screen. Display your other apps in a grid on a lineup of homescreens or organize them in folders. This tablet operating system also features a pull-down notifications menu and a separate control center.
Many people consider the Apple iOS to be the most advanced system, as well as the most intuitive and user-friendly. Plus, the Apple App Store offers the largest choice of quality apps, especially when it comes to music, video, photo, and other creative apps. It's easy to see which apps are optimized for tablet use with the Apple store.
Out of the three major tablet operating systems, the Apple iOS is the least flexible in design. While many favor its simplicity, others are frustrated by the locked-in feel of the Apple iOS. There isn't much customization you can do in terms of the look or functionality of your homescreens.
Apple iOS
Designed with a simple and clean feel, the Apple iOS is ideal for the minimalist – or for anyone who appreciates an easy-to-use tablet layout. With iOS, you can keep your most-used app shortcuts in the tray at the bottom of the screen. Display your other apps in a grid on a lineup of homescreens or organize them in folders. This tablet operating system also features a pull-down notifications menu and a separate control center.
Many people consider the Apple iOS to be the most advanced system, as well as the most intuitive and user-friendly. Plus, the Apple App Store offers the largest choice of quality apps, especially when it comes to music, video, photo, and other creative apps. It's easy to see which apps are optimized for tablet use with the Apple store.
Out of the three major tablet operating systems, the Apple iOS is the least flexible in design. While many favor its simplicity, others are frustrated by the locked-in feel of the Apple iOS. There isn't much customization you can do in terms of the look or functionality of your homescreens.
Android
The Android operating system has app shortcuts on a series of sideways-scrolling screens, similar to the Apple iOS. With Android, however, you can also drop widgets and shortcuts on your homescreen. This operating system has a control center built into its notifications menu rather than separating them like iOS.
The Android Google Play app store is quickly catching up to the Apple store in terms of both quantity and quality of apps. Without the ability to sort by tablet and phone apps, though, the Android store can be difficult to navigate.
The Android operating system has long been considered to be the most flexible. With Android, it is easy to move files and customize the homescreen to suit your preferences. You can tweak your tablet to fit your needs – and you can even use apps that are offered at alternative app stores.
Windows
Chances are you are already familiar with the operating system on Windows-based tablets. After all, it is identical to the operating system on any Windows laptop or PC. So, you'll already know your way around if you buy a Windows tablet. Currently, Windows 8.1 is installed on Windows tablets; however, Windows 10 (which is coming this year) is optimized for tablet use.
You can run any Windows application on a Windows-based tablet; however, there number and quality of apps designed for touchscreen tablets simply doesn't match that of Apple or Android.
The Windows operating system allows you the flexibility of running all of your desktop apps on your tablet. Unlike the Apple and Android systems, however, Windows notifications and control panel settings are not as quick to access. The Windows system is favored by many because Windows tablets easily connect to peripherals and shared networks.
The Android operating system has app shortcuts on a series of sideways-scrolling screens, similar to the Apple iOS. With Android, however, you can also drop widgets and shortcuts on your homescreen. This operating system has a control center built into its notifications menu rather than separating them like iOS.
The Android Google Play app store is quickly catching up to the Apple store in terms of both quantity and quality of apps. Without the ability to sort by tablet and phone apps, though, the Android store can be difficult to navigate.
The Android operating system has long been considered to be the most flexible. With Android, it is easy to move files and customize the homescreen to suit your preferences. You can tweak your tablet to fit your needs – and you can even use apps that are offered at alternative app stores.
Windows
Chances are you are already familiar with the operating system on Windows-based tablets. After all, it is identical to the operating system on any Windows laptop or PC. So, you'll already know your way around if you buy a Windows tablet. Currently, Windows 8.1 is installed on Windows tablets; however, Windows 10 (which is coming this year) is optimized for tablet use.
You can run any Windows application on a Windows-based tablet; however, there number and quality of apps designed for touchscreen tablets simply doesn't match that of Apple or Android.
The Windows operating system allows you the flexibility of running all of your desktop apps on your tablet. Unlike the Apple and Android systems, however, Windows notifications and control panel settings are not as quick to access. The Windows system is favored by many because Windows tablets easily connect to peripherals and shared networks.
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