Should hardware companies design software?

[GSOgymrat]

It seems like a custom skin would take a lot of resources for hardware companies to design and maintain. Is it really worth it to LG, Samsung, HTC and others to design software in addition to hardware? Obviously some hardware features, such as Samsung's stylus, need specialized software but would consumers really mind just getting vanilla Android and choosing their own apps? Could HTC install a free skin like Aviate and eliminate or downsize their software design department?

 

[LeoRex]

It seems like a custom skin would take a lot of resources for hardware companies to design and maintain. Is it really worth it to LG, Samsung, HTC and others to design software in addition to hardware? Obviously some hardware features, such as Samsung's stylus, need specialized software but would consumers really mind just getting vanilla Android and choosing their own apps? Could HTC install a free skin like Aviate and eliminate or downsize their software design department?

I would MUCH prefer if OEMs kept their grubby hands out of the UI frameworks... or at least tread lightly. Motorola has shown that you can add features and good functionality without bastardizing the backend. In fact, they do a hell of a job optimizing it, rather then messing it up. There's no reason for Samsung to go messing around with as much as they do... I read a few things where they are even going so far as to loading old, obsolete UI libraries because their Touchwiz stuff isn't compatible with the 4.4+ base.

OEMs can and should develop software to go with their hardware. That way users can get the most out of their purchases. But don't reinvent the wheel... Google already did the R&D on Android. You can differentiate your phones and maintain your brand other ways.

But I'm a Nexus fan.... I had a Nexus 5 and the same OG Nexus 7.... I preferred that experience over the S3 I had before and the G3 I had after. The G3's Optimus UI wasn't bad (VASTLY better than Touchwiz)... but I ended up switching to a Nexus 6.

 

[sting7k]

Personally, I'm very appreciative that OEM's take the time and resources to design their own skinned version of Android. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't be using Android if it were just vanilla and installing apps for additional functionality. I tried that with an OG Nexus 7 and didn't like it at all. It was too bare bones and a PITA spending time searching for apps for certain functionality. Or in the case of many built-in features of Samsung's Touch Wiz (ex. on my Note 2, Note 4, and OG Note 10.1) or even my ol' now long gone HTC Thunderbolt, the apps were either not available or were poorly implemented and just didn't work the same. Thus there can be a big difference in bolting on functionality after the fact via third party apps or an OEM designing and integrating its software from the ground up to best utilize their own hardware.

In the end, if it were only vanilla Android and third party apps, the ecosystem would probably be much more like Apple's IOS with limited hardware options.

I'm just curious; what apps or functionality were you searching for on your Nexus 7 with just vanilla Android?

I agree with LeoRex; Google already spent a lot of time and probably billions of $$$ on the Android UI. I really don't feel any hardware partners are capable of making something as nice. I like Motorola's approach to leave it pretty much vanilla and add their customizations via Motorola brand apps like Active Display and Moto Assist.

I also want to throw out there that making hardware and software seems to be working out pretty well for Apple.

 

[Ry]

News flash: these hardware companies were designing mobile phone software long before Google acquired Android.

And the fact that these hardware companies can customize Android is a strength of an open platform.

I don't want Android to be iOS.

 

[GSOgymrat]

News flash: these hardware companies were designing mobile phone software long before Google acquired Android.

And the fact that these hardware companies can customize Android is a strength of an open platform.

I don't want Android to be iOS.

I don't want iOS either but I guess what I am wondering why the hardware companies should do the customization rather than users or software companies like Yahoo. I assume Samsung spends a lot of money and resources creating and maintaining their custom UI. Obviously other companies, like TeslaCoil Software who makes Nova Launcher, are willing to do this on their own.

 

[abazigal]

I would argue that skinning android represents the lesser of two evils for OEMs. If every Android smartphone ran stock Android, it would be even more difficult for them to differentiate their offerings from one another.

 

[LeoRex]

I would argue that skinning android represents the lesser of two evils for OEMs. If every Android smartphone ran stock Android, it would be even more difficult for them to differentiate their offerings from one another.

Motorola has no issues differentiating itself without a heavy-handed UI overhaul. They build on top of the stock UI, rather than attempt to replace it and spend their efforts on features. Someone like Samsung can easily build all of those features that make a Note a Note without slathering that odd looking, and sluggish, Ariel's Grotto framework on top of it.

As powerful as the S5 and Note 4 are... and they both are... they aren't 'quick'. To use racing terms.... they are fast as all hell on the straights, but they understeer something fierce in the corners. There's a video going around where someone pitted a iPhone 6, Nexus 6 and Note 4 (Eynos version) in a UI 'race'.... they opened and closed a bunch of apps then lapped around and did them a second time. The Note 4 had a HUGE lead after the first lap (Nexus was last... damned default encryption), but when the user came back around for the second lap, it sputtered and slogged through having to reload a bunch of apps and switching back and forth... the Nexus caught up and passed it.

The LG G3 is another perfect example of not leaving well enough alone. I had one.. great phone... but it was clear that when LG built in their Optimus UI, they had a long way to go to optimize things. There were plenty of spots where it would hiccup and jink and stutter a bit. It wasn't really noticeable until I loaded a custom AOSP based ROM, which ran without a hitch. A ROM, built by a couple of enthusiasts, did better with the phone than the software built by a multi-billion dollar company... And you'll see the same stories over in Samsung forums. When I got my Galaxy S3, I was somewhat lukewarm on the phone until I loaded a custom ROM on it.. then I loved the thing.

And it doesn't have to be that way. Look at Nova Launcher, all 4.52 MBs of it.... it can completely alter a user's experience and it's quick on its feet and extremely customizable.... and it does all that without ripping out Android's innards.