Android, OS 4 and Symbian: Who’s Got Game?
Whilst mobile telephones have but to approach the capabilities of dedicated gaming platforms like the Sony PSP or Nintendo DS, they nonetheless offer impressive gaming prospective. We took a look at the 3 biggest names in mobile phone firmware – Google’s Android, Apple’s OS four, and the open-source alternative Symbian. Our goal was to answer 1 basic question: which mobile operating system is far better for mobile gaming?For each and every system, we looked at two types of games – dedicated and on the internet. Dedicated games are anything written specifically for that platform these generally want to be purchased, downloaded and installed in order to be enjoyed. On the web games are just that – they’re out there on the internet, and users just have to point their phone’s internet browser at them in order to play. These web games use either flash or java technology, and can range from straightforward Tetris clones to real-cash casino games like slots, poker, or blackjack.
Android
Released in October of 2008, Google’s Android mobile operating system is based on a Linux kernel. As of early 2010, it is the fourth most popular smartphone platform, at least in the US. The Android OS supports both accelerometer and multi-touch interaction. It offers superb graphics capabilities, specifically when it comes to its 3D rendering prospective. Games like the well-known HomeRun Battle 3D genuinely show what the device is capable of. Visually, Android games can rival the Nintendo DS, and devices that supply a touch-screen interface make the comparison even far more apt.On-line gaming on the Android suffers. Its java support is mediocre, and as of but, it does not support flash, so most on the internet games won’t even run on Android devices. Fortunately, full flash support has been promised with the v2.2 update, due out later this year.
Pros
Superb graphics capabilities
Multi-touch and accelerometer support
Cons
Lack of accessible games
Quite poor web game support
Apple OS four
Apple’s upcoming update to their iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch software program has been creating headlines recently. It delivers a number of fantastic updates to the existing version, most notably its multitasking capabilities.For gamers, even so, not significantly is new. Apple has been shouting about the new Game Center, but users appear less excited. It is fundamentally a clone of Xbox Live, offering multiplayer gaming over networks. Even though Apple is in the lead in this department, we will have to wait to see how this pans out.Beyond the new Game Center, OS 4 supports an enormous variety of downloadable games, obtainable via the Apple Apps Store. Many are free of charge, and those that aren’t come really low-cost. The selection is outstanding, and the good quality is usually jaw-dropping, specifically when enjoyed on an iPad.As for on the internet gaming, OS four fares fairly well. In spite of its lack of flash, there are numerous dedicated iPhone games that can be played instantly on the world wide web. In addition to a lot of 3rd party providers, Apple hosts a enormous selection of “official” internet apps on its homepage.
Pros
Extraordinary number of downloadable and internet-based games
Multi-touch and accelerometer support
Cons
No flash support (possibly by no means)
Games can be pricey
Symbian
This open-source smartphone platform has been in development for a whilst, but its code was just released in February 2010. Nearly half of all smartphones sold are based on the Symbian OS, making it the world’s most common mobile operating system. Most devices out there still run on older Symbian versions. In truth, at the time of writing this, only one device supports the new Symbian^3 – the Nokia N8. Its touch screen, HD screen and 3D graphics accelerator beg for hardcore games to push its limits. Regrettably, Symbian is behind the times, and has very a lot of catching up to do just before it can compete with Google or Apple for a top spot in the mobile market. Yes, the numbers are in Symbian’s favor, but if we look at good quality over quantity, it comes in last.Oh yeah, games – Symbian presents superb java support, generating it great for internet-based games, but because most Symbian devices do not offer touch screens, they can be cumbersome to play. Dedicated games for the Symbian are rare, and tend to look and play like the greatest games from five years ago.
Pros
Widespread availability, high device compatibility
Outstanding java support makes internet gaming straightforward
Cons
Most phones run old versions
Not considerably obtainable in the way of download games
The verdict?It is hard to say. Symbian falls gently into 3rd place, that a lot is clear, but Apple’s OS 4 and Google’s Android battle hard for the number one spot. Apple undoubtedly has the “wow factor” going for it, and the number of games available is astonishing, but with Android acquiring flash with the next update, it will supply something that iPhone users have been right after for years.
At the end of the day, we are tempted to call Apple OS four the winner of the mobile telephone gaming war, but the world moves quick, and Android is catching up quickly.
