Shopping for a new phone just got harder. Through the sea of iPhones, BlackBerries, and now Android based phones, who has the time to explore every choice? Just which smartphone has the better future and won’t leave a hole in your wallet? The short answer is Google’s Android phone (sometimes simply referred to as the Android or the Droid). However, the long answer requires a bit more of an explanation. In order to make an informed decision, you need to understand what smartphones really are: tiny computers with specialized software, called an OS (operating system), running on them. In any case, while technologies similar to the Android have come a long way, they are still quite shy of perfection.

What is a smartphone?
Smartphones are considered smart because of the software that runs on them. Your computer or laptop might run Microsoft Windows as its “operating system”; cellphones have recently become sort of like mini-computers. Smartphones have operating systems that function much like a full-size computer or laptop might. Typically, smartphones are characterized as having 3G connectivity, all-day battery life and GPS capabilities, among other advanced features.

What’s wrong with my old cellphone anyway?
You may be wondering at this point: Is a smartphone really for me? Are smartphones so much better than regular cellphones? Technological advances happen everywhere, every day. If the hard work of these men and women caused technology to move backwards . . . well that wouldn’t make much sense, now would it? Eventually, the best technologies will stand the test of time and emerge as market leaders. The smartphone has definitely proven itself even over the short decade or so that it has been popular. In light of the smartphone’s foothold in the mobile market, it is safe to say that the war of the cellphones is just about over. Now, let’s bring on the war of the smartphones!

iPhone vs. Android
As you are probably aware, the iPhone is a special type of smartphone developed by Apple. Both the hardware (the actual phone) and the operating system (called the iOS) are proprietary to Apple and are essential elements to every iPhone on the market today. In contrast, the term “Android phone” only references the OS, not the phone itself. Android phones are not all created equal. The only commonality between Androids is the operating system (i.e.: the Android OS) running on them.

Huge potential for this little Android
Decoupling the phone from the operating system gives the Android two distinct advantages over the iPhone. First, Android may be adopted by your favourite brand of cellphones: Sony and HTC, as well as others have chosen Android as the operating system of choice in their new phones. Next, Android’s portability means that it can be adapted to work on your laptop, desktop, even in your airline’s entertainment system! Android could eventually become a great alternative to Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X.

Room to grow
In spite of its potential, Android still does not have the upper hand in the market. Android’s lack of popularity at this time is one of its biggest drawbacks.

Free games and apps!
On the plus side, Android has access to a pool of applications via an intuitive interface similar to Apple’s App Store: the Android Market. This includes a large amount of free or small-fee applications that add functionality to your device.

The pinnacle of devices
Technological advances such as the Android are nothing new in the realm of computer science. There are always going to be bigger and better things being developed from the dreams of researchers. We may soon find ourselves partnering with devices similar to the Android for much more than simply checking our email or making phone calls. There are virtually limitless possibilities on how devices like the Android can have a positive impact on our lives.

Android or iPhone: Which will it be?
By now, I hope you have acquired a better understanding of the Android phone, as well as smartphones in general. If you are interested in the best value for your money, consider the Android as your next purchase. The Android is extendable, priced aggressively and has potential for expansion. Android is definitely a step in the right direction towards unifying our arrays of gadgets. Nevertheless, technologies similar in spirit to the Android still cannot grow into the phenomenal devices we all know they can become unless they receive our support. These devices have my vote. Do they have yours too?