iOS is way worse. Maybe not if your used to it, but the categories are totally random. And every setting is either on the top level or in "General", apparently decided by a coin flip. And then the app-specific settings that only some apps actually use so you have to check two places half the time? Gross.

If you haven't seen the Settings app in 4.1 / 4.2, it got a lot better, IIRC.

I have, and it certainly is an improvement in my eyes, however the biggest difficulty when doing UX is, to put it bluntly, getting yourself in the mindset of an absolutely clueless user.

My dad is over 60 and loves his nexus 7, but trying to explain to him how to clear an application's cache is about as effective as educating him on the underpinnings of posix threads.

Do I know a better way? Hell no. Were it up to me, everyone would be forced to learn a CLI before they even get to THINK about a file browser.

> My dad is over 60 and loves his nexus 7, but trying to explain to him how to clear an application's cache is about as effective as educating him on the underpinnings of posix threads.

This is interesting, as it highlights one of the big differences between iOS and Android for me. With Android, a lot of appliance-like convenience was given up for more flexibility and control, which makes it more like a general computer. iOS, on the other hand, takes a more curated approach to UI (not to mention hardware options) and is easier to use since it is a more appliance-like experience. The ability to even clear app cache for an Android app shows that you are using a computer, and with that comes the complexity of operating one (granted Google is making attempts to make things easier in default cases).

Except I think this is a terrible thing to highlight the differences. The user should never have to think about clearing the application cache, or what that even means, and in my experience on Android, you don't have to. I can't think of a single time I've had to outside of trying to reproduce a bug for my own app. The fact that his father had to think about it indicates that someone, somewhere along the line screwed up.

There is a way to clear the app cache in the same manner as iOS. Simply uninstall the app and re-install it.

He shouldn't have to think about clearing an application's cache. Seriously, if that's something he's thinking about, someone, somewhere along the line, screwed up.

>the android settings browser is a bit of a train wreck

I have to say, I really don't understand this criticism. I go to settings and I have really simple categories: Sound, Display, etc with the settings inside. I guess I don't know how it could be easier...

I wonder if this person is aware of the swiping keyboard. No mention of that, easily one of my favorite 4.2-specific features.

I don't have a particular issue with the settings system. I forget which category some settings are in sometimes but I'm not sure I can really blame the system since I also forget where I left me keys sometimes.

And I've been using Swype on my 2.x phones for a couple years too. It is a good one for devices that don't have the latest OS.