Windows Phone 7.5 Mango vs. iOS 6

Attribute	Windows Phone 7.5 Mango	iOS 6
Operating System	Windows Phone 7.5 Mango	iOS 6
Release Date	September 2011	September 2012
App Store	Windows Phone Store	App Store
Multi-tasking	Supported	Supported
Notifications	Live Tiles	Notification Center
Virtual Assistant	Cortana	Siri
Maps	Bing Maps	Apple Maps
Browser	Internet Explorer	Safari
Cloud Storage	SkyDrive	iCloud

Introduction

When it comes to mobile operating systems, two major players dominate the market - Windows Phone and iOS. In this article, we will delve into the attributes of Windows Phone 7.5 Mango and iOS 6, comparing their features, user experience, and overall performance. Both platforms have their unique strengths and weaknesses, and understanding them can help users make an informed decision when choosing their next smartphone.

User Interface

Windows Phone 7.5 Mango introduced a fresh and innovative user interface known as "Metro." It featured live tiles that displayed real-time information, providing users with a glanceable and dynamic home screen experience. The interface was visually appealing and offered a unique approach to organizing and accessing apps. On the other hand, iOS 6 maintained its iconic grid of static icons, which had become synonymous with Apple's devices. While the iOS interface was familiar and easy to navigate, it lacked the dynamic nature and customization options offered by Windows Phone 7.5 Mango.

App Ecosystem

One of the key factors influencing a user's choice of a mobile platform is the availability and quality of apps. iOS 6 had a well-established and extensive app ecosystem, with the Apple App Store offering a vast selection of applications across various categories. Developers often prioritized iOS due to its large user base and the potential for monetization. Windows Phone 7.5 Mango, on the other hand, struggled to compete in terms of app availability. While the Windows Phone Store had a decent collection of apps, it lagged behind iOS in terms of both quantity and quality. However, Microsoft made efforts to attract developers and bridge the gap over time.

Integration with Services

Both Windows Phone 7.5 Mango and iOS 6 offered seamless integration with popular services, but with different approaches. Windows Phone deeply integrated with Microsoft's ecosystem, providing a cohesive experience for users of Outlook, Office, and Xbox. The integration allowed for easy access to emails, calendars, and documents, making it an attractive choice for individuals heavily reliant on Microsoft services. On the other hand, iOS 6 excelled in its integration with Apple's ecosystem, including iCloud, iTunes, and iMessage. This integration ensured a smooth experience for users already invested in Apple's products and services.

Notifications and Multitasking

Notifications and multitasking are essential aspects of any modern mobile operating system. Windows Phone 7.5 Mango introduced a unified notification center called "Action Center," which displayed notifications from various apps in a single location. It allowed users to quickly glance at missed calls, messages, and other alerts. Multitasking on Windows Phone 7.5 Mango was limited to a select number of apps running in the background, ensuring efficient use of system resources. In contrast, iOS 6 introduced a pull-down notification center, similar to Windows Phone, but lacked the same level of customization. Multitasking on iOS 6 utilized background processes, enabling a wider range of apps to run simultaneously, but potentially impacting device performance.

Camera and Multimedia

The camera and multimedia capabilities of a smartphone play a significant role in user satisfaction. Windows Phone 7.5 Mango offered a unique camera interface known as "Camera Extras," which provided additional shooting modes and settings beyond the standard options. The platform also emphasized integration with social networks, making it easy to share photos and videos. iOS 6, on the other hand, had a straightforward camera interface with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. The platform excelled in multimedia playback, with the iTunes Store offering a vast library of music, movies, and TV shows. Windows Phone 7.5 Mango, while improving in this area, struggled to match the extensive media offerings of iOS 6.

Maps and Navigation

Maps and navigation have become essential features in modern smartphones. Windows Phone 7.5 Mango relied on Bing Maps for navigation, offering turn-by-turn directions and a visually appealing interface. However, the platform faced criticism for its limited coverage and occasional inaccuracies. iOS 6 introduced Apple Maps, which initially faced significant backlash due to inaccuracies and missing features. Over time, Apple improved its mapping service, but it still lagged behind the comprehensive coverage and accuracy of Google Maps, which was no longer available as a default option on iOS 6.

Security and Privacy

Security and privacy are paramount concerns for smartphone users. Windows Phone 7.5 Mango offered robust security features, including secure boot, sandboxed apps, and encryption options. Microsoft also provided regular updates to address security vulnerabilities promptly. iOS 6, known for its strong security measures, implemented features like data protection, app sandboxing, and secure boot. Apple's strict app review process ensured a lower likelihood of malicious apps making their way onto the platform. Both platforms prioritized user privacy, with Windows Phone allowing users granular control over app permissions and iOS 6 implementing privacy-focused features like "Limit Ad Tracking."

Conclusion

In conclusion, Windows Phone 7.5 Mango and iOS 6 offered distinct experiences and features. Windows Phone 7.5 Mango impressed with its innovative user interface, deep integration with Microsoft services, and unique camera capabilities. However, it struggled to compete with iOS 6 in terms of app availability and multimedia offerings. iOS 6, on the other hand, maintained its iconic interface, excelled in its app ecosystem, and provided seamless integration with Apple's services. Ultimately, the choice between the two platforms depends on individual preferences, priorities, and the ecosystem one is already invested in.