Tech Connect For You

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You’ve seen the blizzard of terms in the TV commercials: Android, Windows, BlackBerry, and, of course, the omnipresent iPhone. You’re pretty sure there’s a difference between all of these items, but you’re not at all sure what that might be. Take heart in two things: you’re not alone and we’re here to help.

Operating Systems

All of the above-mentioned are names of mobile operating systems, the inner workings that determine how your phone does what it does. You can think of an operating system (OS for short) sort of like the engine of a car: they all serve the same basic function of making things go, but the actual performance varies widely depending on make and model. The same goes for smartphones. The casual customer can probably find something to like about every OS, but you’ll never know which works best for you until you get behind the wheel.

Android

Android is the fastest-growing operating system on the market, largely because it isn’t tied to any one manufacturer. Best Buy carries Android phones from nine different manufacturers, including Samsung, Motorola, HTC and LG. Developed by the folks behind Google, Android is known for its endless adaptability. Another key reason for Android’s popularity is that it’s an open source operating system, which means anyone can develop apps for use on an Android phone. That leaves room for plenty of innovation and personalization.

A few top Android phones: Samsung Galaxy S II Epic 4G Touch, Motorola DROID RAZR, HTC EVO 3D

BlackBerry/RIM

“BlackBerry” used to be more or less synonymous with “smartphone” back in the technology’s early days. Even though a lot has changed since then, the BlackBerry operating system retains plenty of hardcore fans. The product of Canadian firm Research in Motion (RIM), the BlackBerry OS has traditionally been popular with business users who appreciate its easy integration with texts, email and other office essentials. The BlackBerry OS is exclusive to BlackBerry-manufactured phones.

A few top BlackBerry phones: BlackBerry Bold 9900, BlackBerry Torch 9850, BlackBerry Curve 9360

iOS/Apple

The introduction of Apple’s iPhone changed a lot of things, the smartphone landscape chief among them. iOS, the operating system that powers the iPhone, is tailored to interact with multiple aspects of its users’ daily lives via an intuitive interface and a huge catalog of apps. Unlike Android, all iOS apps go through a rigorous approval process before Apple deems them worthy of its App Store. In fact, almost all elements of the iPhone are directly under Apple’s control. That helps ensure a high standard of quality and a smooth experience that has won iOS countless fans around the world.

A few top iOS phones: iPhone 4S, iPhone 4

Windows Phone

The Windows Phone OS brings some of Microsoft’s beloved computing philosophy to the smartphone arena. It’s been growing rapidly in popularity since its latest edition, known as Mango, was introduced in late 2011. Customers have embraced Windows Phone’s easy personalization, smooth integrations with Microsoft Office tools and connection to social media sites. Like Android, Windows Phone can be found on smartphones from a variety of manufacturers, including Samsung, HTC and Nokia.

A few top Windows phones: Samsung Focus Flash, Nokia Lumia 710, HTC Titan