In today’s business world, the clear and uninterrupted flow of information is critical. Whether you’re transferring financial data, important documents, you need a fast and portable device that you can rely on. While many people have flocked to the exclusive iPhone 5 club, that doesn’t mean it provides the ideal platform for conducting business. In some ways, the iPhone can actually limit what you can do for your business.
In addition to the obvious advantage of Google compatibility (calendar, drive, search, etc.) here are four more reasons why Android is better for business:
Near Field Communications
Remember the commercial where the two Samsung Galaxy SIII users touch the backs of their phones together to share pictures, while the iPhone disciples look on, jaws hitting the floor? This was made possible through NFC, or near field communications—a feature that Android and Blackberry have, but iPhone does not! NFC extends beyond simple doc sharing too. If you have the Google Wallet app, you’re able to conduct wireless, contact less payments by simply holding your phone near an NFC anywhere that accepts MasterCard pay-pass.
Microsoft Office Friendly
One of the advantages of using Android devices in the workplace is their compatibility with a large variety of files, including Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, Excel Workbooks, and even PDF files. Unlike the iPhone 5, Android can also download and display any file type attached to an email. The Quick Office app comes standard on most Android devices. This allows you to create, edit and save each of these files to your device’s internal storage. You can even save files to your device from your desktop computer by connecting via the micro USB port and mounting your Android smartphone as a storage device.
Universal Cable
Speaking of mirco USB, here’s another advantage Android has over iPhone 5. Remember how great Apple thought it would be to change the format of iPhone 5’s power cable? Perhaps it wasn’t such a good idea. Now you need a cord to charge your iPhone 5, and a different cord to charge your iAnythingElse. No so with Android. You only need one cable to charge your phone, tablet and Kindle.
Keyboard Options
If you’re not satisfied with Android’s standard keyboard layout, no problem. Not only can you download most small business mobile apps — including keyboard apps on the market (iPhone 5 is limited to only iOS keyboards), but you can also try Swype, which allows to you type words without lifting your finger from the screen. But what if you don’t even want to touch your tablet’s screen? Well, unlike iPhone 5 or other Apple devices, Android is also stylus friendly. If you can write faster than you can type, you can easily find notepad apps on the market that allow you to scribble and write notes on your tablet or smartphone.
Apple had its time. Business is evolving at a rapid pace. If you want to keep up, go Android.