Article on Better Smartphone OS in 2014 Market Between Apple's IOS7 and Android's KitKat Mobile Operating System. It seems that each year, Apple and Android go head to head with new operating systems each designed to outdo the other. This year, it is Apple's iOS7 going up against Android's KitKat operating system. While both systems are relatively new, iOS7 is used by roughly 80% of the Apple market share while KitKat or 4.4 is currently on just over 1% of all Android devices. Of course, KitKat is still relatively new compared to iOS7 with the other "Jellybean" version still being used on nearly 55% of all Android devices.

The truth is that each operating system has its own advantages, iOS7 is very well designed for the iPhone 5S, especially in the number of useful features which makes using this device quite fun. Conversely, KitKat has added a new dimension to smartphones, particularly the Samsung Galaxy S4.

What follows is a compare and contrast of each operating system as it is applied to their respective mobile devices. What can be stated almost immediately is that iOS7 and KitKat offer some unique advantages in virtually every category.

Applications 

This is really about Apple vs. Google app stores and the over one million applications that they currently offer. Here is a list of 10 android apps every android phone should have. However, iOS7 can access open files that are stored on Google Drive, iCloud, SugarSync, Box and Dropbox. KitKat however can only access Google Drive. Clearly, the edge belongs to iOS7 system here.

User Interface 

iOS7 represents a significant redesign from the previous Apple operating system. Here, simplicity is the order of the day with fewer, more colorful vector-based icons and a definite minimalist design approach. KitKat on the other hand simply looks liked an improved version of its predecessors. The drop down notifications and settings menus are now merged so that it is easier to switch between them. 

Safari vs. Chrome 

Here, both types of systems offer similar results with differences that actually help balance both out in terms of features. Safari supports MPEG-4 videos while Chrome uses WebM for example. One interesting difference is that Chrome uses swiping in from the edges to switch the tabs being used while Safari can go forwards or backwards between pages. There are innumerable differences, but overall each has its own distinctive advantages.

Manageability & Security 

Here, iOS7 offers greater security since Apple checks all the apps at their store while Google does not. As far as manageability goes, each system has their own advantages. The Apple Configurator supports all the latest iOS7 enterprise features while Google does have a number of enterprise features for its KitKat system as well, including many of its older systems.

Accessories 

While most Android devices use a micro USB port to charge, newer Apple products now have a Lightning port to charge. Up until recently, both Android and iOS devices could have been charged using cheap cables from China. Most people bought these cables from sites such as eBay. However, since Apple released iOS7, the cheap cables now do not work. iOS7 recognised officially licensed peripherals such as cables and car charges, meaning that cheap peripherals, which are not officially licensed, now do not work leaving many people unable to charge their Apple devices. There are, however, low cost officially licenced iPhone 5 car chargers that work perfectly with iOS7.

Also Read : iPhone 6 with A7 SOC chip Launch date

Conclusion 

Both Apple's iOS7 and Android's KitKat operating systems have advantages that can be quite useful and helpful. The decision may come down to which system you prefer overall, either Apple or Android, instead of iOS7 or KitKat. Still, each does have its virtues and is well worth purchasing.