We understand.  Some of you are Apples.  Some of you are Androids.  Often, never the ‘twain shall meet…except in some circumstances where you’ve gone the hybrid route, adapting the best of both.

Thankfully, this fall, there really is something for everyone.  Apple just had two giant releases, both of software and hardware.  Not to be outdone, Google released some new technologies of its own, and several companies who use Android technology followed suit.  Here are links to some of the most recent Apple and Android releases and updates.

 

Apple

iOS 8:

iOS 8 is the biggest operating system release from Apple so far.  Here’s their official word on it: https://www.apple.com/ios/

Our take on iOS 8: http://www.agentdriventech.com/2014/10/09/ios-8-tricks-and-treats/

iOS 8 features include:

• iCloud Photo Library: http://www.macrumors.com/2014/10/20/ios-8-1-icloud-photo-library/
• Apple Pay: https://www.apple.com/iphone-6/apple-pay/
• How to Get Started with Apple Pay: http://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-get-started-with-apple-pay/#ftag=CAD590a51e
• Touch ID Integration with Third-Party Apps: http://www.macworld.com/article/2687060/14-iphone-apps-that-use-touch-id.html
• Continuity: Allowing you to continue your work no matter what Apple device you’re using…learn how to enable and use Continuity here: http://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/features/how-to-enable-and-use-continuity-handoff-features-on-iphone-ipad-and-mac-610155

Yosemite

Not just a U.S. national park, Yosemite OS X is Apple’s newest operating system for Mac, and meant to play nice with iOS devices (especially those running iOS 8): https://www.apple.com/osx/

Should you decide to upgrade your Macbook Pro, Macbook Air or other Mac to Yosemite, here are a few tips:

17 Things You Can do in Yosemite that You Couldn’t Do in Mavericks: http://fieldguide.gizmodo.com/17-things-you-can-do-in-os-x-yosemite-that-you-couldnt-1648399541 

Top 10 Hidden Features of Yosemite: http://lifehacker.com/top-10-hidden-features-of-os-x-yosemite-1646774857

iPhone 6 and 6 Plus

Which one should you choose?  Here’s a review on both the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus:  http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2014/10/20/iphone-6-vs-iphone-6-plus-review/

iPad Mini 3 and iPad Air 2

Did you know that Apple has 56 different iPads to choose from?  Neither did I.  If you’re trying to decide which would be the best for you, this comprehensive guide is the best place to start: http://www.forbes.com/sites/markrogowsky/2014/10/19/which-size-4g-how-much-memory-heres-your-guide-to-choosing-one-of-apples-56-ipads/

One of the coolest features about the new iPads?  A SIM card that allows you to change carriers (AT&T, Sprint, TMobile) with the tap of a finger: http://www.cnbc.com/id/102096861

Mac Mini

Yes, the Mac Mini is back…though, arguably, not improved.  If you’re considering a desktop computer, take a look at Apple’s newest offering: https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/

About the Mac Mini: http://mashable.com/2014/10/16/apple-mac-mini-2014/, http://www.technobuffalo.com/2014/10/20/new-mac-mini-some-changes-you-need-to-know-about/

Android

Lollipop

Continuing its trend of naming operating systems for things that will make you hungry (Kit Kat, Ice Cream Sandwich and Jelly Bean, to name a few), Google’s newest Android operating system is Lollipop.

You can learn more about Lollipop from the source here: http://www.android.com/versions/lollipop-5-0/

Not sure if your Android device is getting (can upgrade to) Lollipop?  Check here: http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/19/android-lollipop-roundup/

Key features of Lollipop include multi-user support for phones – learn about that and the other 4 key features: http://www.ibtimes.com/android-50-lollipop-5-key-features-added-latest-android-version-1708500

Lollipop also has a nifty new lock screen: http://gizmodo.com/the-best-new-android-feature-is-a-smarter-lock-screen-1648392911

Google Nexus

Not to be outdone, Google is also releasing several new Android-driven Nexus devices.  For an overview of all them, the BBC has put together a good idea of what’s coming: http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-29635958

Nexus Player: Meant as a competitor to Amazon Fire, Roku and Apple TV, Google’s Nexus Player is the redesigned Android TV – sleeker and faster, with a voice-activated remote, and gaming capabilities.  http://www.google.com/intl/all/nexus/player/  It hasn’t been released yet (pre-orders only), so there aren’t many reviews on it yet.  If you already have Google’s Chromecast, you probably won’t need Nexus Player as well.

Nexus 6: Although labeled as a phone, its size belies that – the Nexus 6 is a phablet (phone + tablet).   The Nexus 6 is being built by Motorola, and some have said it resembles a giant Moto X: http://www.techradar.com/us/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/nexus-6-release-date-news-and-features-1232946.  The Nexus 6 will be released late October 2014.

Nexus 9: Google is retiring the Nexus 7 and the Nexus 10 to make way for Nexus 9.  Manufactured by HTC, the 8.9-inch display of the Nexus 9 places it between the iPad Mini 3 and the iPad Air 2 in terms of size.  More specs for the soon-to-be-released Nexus 9 can be found here: http://www.androidauthority.com/nexus-9-specs-features-price-availability-538604/

• Comparisons between iPad Mini 3 and Nexus 9: http://www.christianpost.com/news/nexus-9-vs-ipad-mini-3-comparison-the-battle-of-the-mini-tablets-begins-128378/
• Comparisons between iPad Air 2 and Nexus 9: http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/570025/20141020/apple-ipad-air-2-htc-nexus-9.htm#.VEaG-JPF_q0
• Comparisons between Microsoft’s Surface 2 and Nexus 9: http://www.gottabemobile.com/2014/10/18/nexus-9-vs-surface-2/