In album Smart actions (1 photo)
The editors of Ars Technica have compiled a list of the features they'd really like to see in the next version of iOS. http://arstechnica.com/apple/2013/01/bring-us-the-features-an-ars-staff-wish-list-for-ios-7/
Reading over the list, it looks like they really want Apple to copy much of what is in +Android, but of course since Apple believes so strongly in protecting innovation, they would never actually do something like that, right? Almost all of the features they are asking for are readily available such as changing default apps and better control of do not disturb.
While I'm generally not a fan of most of the "enhancements" manufacturers add to Android, I have to give +Motorola Mobility credit for Smart Actions which was introduced last year on the Droid Razr and now included on all new Moto phones. Smart Actions let you set activities based on triggers such as location, time of day, docking status, connection to a bluetooth device and more. Based on the trigger, a wide range of actions can be enabled such turning on wifi when you get home, automatically silencing during meetings on your calendar or reading messages automatically replying when the phone is docked in the car. You can also set multiple actions for a given trigger.
Ever since Ice Cream Sandwich, Android can even disable built-in bloatware apps from carriers without rooting.
Given that Motorola is now using what looks like a near stock Android interface, I'll stick with my Razr Maxx HD.
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I wonder how many of the staffers have ever spent any significant amount of time with an Android device. You're right, nearly everything here has already been addressed (or was never a problem in the first place) on the other platform. And I'm really glad to hear that Motorola has moved away from that horrible early MotoBLUR. Even though it still isn't quite as desirable to me as stock Android, it sounds like it isn't a terrible experience now.
The basically stock UI and some of the Moto additions like the circles widget and smart actions make the Razr Maxx HD essentially the best Android phone for +Verizon Wireless users that don't need/want to run custom ROMs right now.
I got an OG Droid on day 1 which was bone stock 2.0. That was replaced with a D3 when I was eligible for an upgrade. While I loved the keyboard of the D3, I was less enamored with the UI on that one until I rooted and started running ICS. Once I was able to transfer an upgrade from my home line, I went to the Razr Maxx HD.