And iMessage is buggy enough that I long ago switched to WhatsApp and haven't looked back. Apple makes great hardware but their software is increasingly falling behind the competition.
This has been true since at least iOS 5.
This could be the reason I finally ditch my iPhone. I want to grab a file on my Mac, push it to my phone, and not A) have to use a paid app to do it without iTunes or B) have that file be automatically sent to some stupid place on the phone (audiobooks, ibooks, etc.)
I don't have to use crappy proprietary sofware like itunes or be locked into their ecosystem and pay monthly subscriptions to use icloud.
You do have to use iCloud for some other things, such as full system backup, integration with the builtin photos app, etc.
very true
pay monthly subscriptions to use icloud
Kind of true. You get 5 GB for free, which is enough to back up contacts, etc. But you can get 50 GB for $1/mo, which, if you can afford a smartphone, probably won't be the straw that breaks the camel's back.
With android I have the option to get sd card to backup my pics.
With android I have options to easily map the OS as a hdd on my PC or linux and not be forced to used there crappy software to backup files ,music,videos etc in their proprietor format.
I understand its not only crApple that is pushing for the golden egg cloud monthly subscriptions but atleast with android I still have other easy options to choose from.
They even lock you into their ecosystem as a developer. I have to purchase a mac if I want to develop iOS apps. You can't even legally use virtualization as they force you to buy both their hardware and and software license.
I just don't like their lack of confidence on their products that their marketing efforts is based on locking you into buying their products and services vs you wanting to buy them because of their awesomeness.