The best of both worlds: how to get the most out of Google ecosystem, if you're using iPhone

Apple makes a great smartphone, but the quality of the software, the company has recently noticeably limping, and especially iCloud. Google has everything exactly the opposite: its applications and services are not working in the best example of "apple". Crazy, at first glance, the idea - to use the ecosystem of Google apps on the iPhone - it was not so disastrous. With proper preparation you can get to work with Apple smartphones Google services almost seamlessly.

What we need

To live a new life on iOS, we first of all, of course, you need to install all the necessary applications. Google has a huge number of iOS-applications, but now we focus on the most important programs which are an alternative to solutions from Apple.

You probably know all of these applications, so in a separate submission, they are unlikely to need. Simply we give links to them.

How to integrate the Google-Apps in iOS

Apple still does not allow the change in iOS applications to open certain files and services: links will open in Safari, to create letters run Mail, and so on. but Google I found a way to circumvent the limitation of iOS. Almost every application the company (and many other third-party developers) have the option to "Open in", which allows you to select an application to open links from Google set. For example, links from Gmail, you can open directly into Chrome, or addresses of Hangouts - in "Maps".

All you have to do is go through the settings of your applications and enable integration by changing the way such simple standard applications.

A similar option is available in most popular applications from third-party developers. For example, opening links in Chrome, you can set up in Tweetbot. In an extreme case, such integration is not difficult to organize itself through WorkflowBy creating an extension for opening links and perform actions in the applications you need.

Benefits of Google ecosystem

Google Apps were not always good at iOS, but now they are able to outdo solutions from Apple. This is mainly for the "Maps" office suite and, surprisingly, the "Photo".

Cards

«Google Maps"- it can be said, the gold standard. Even if you do not use other Google applications, "Maps" you probably installed. They have an extensive database of more convenient for laying routes, as well as support for bicycle routes and public transport. Ie able to all the things Apple maps are just beginning to learn.

office suite

All the same is true for the application "Disk" and the application of the Office suite. «Google Drive"It is much more convenient for storage of documents, rather than iCloud, and allows you to always have on hand your files wherever you are. Of course, all of the documents, spreadsheets and presentations from the cloud opened in the corresponding Google applications, as it should be.

A photo

service "Google Photos"Was a real surprise and a breath of fresh air has replaced is not flawless and expensive« iCloud Photo ". We got unlimited free storage, a set of editing tools, powerful search, and rich export opportunities. Yes, photos are stored in a compressed form, rather than in the original resolution, but for most of us this is more than enough. Just turn on the startup option ( "Settings" - "Back up & sync"), and all your photos will automatically uploaded to the cloud. Just like in iCloud.

news

Another pleasant surprise (especially for Russian users who are unavailable «Apple News") was the application «Google Play Press." It works on the same principle as that of Apple: you add sources or topics that interest you, and then begin to receive the content. All references are, of course, open you know in which browser.

Browser, Calendar, Notes

Chrome on iOS primarily interested in seamless synchronization with desktop version. He also, like "The calendar"And Keep, looks much better than its iOS-rival and works perfectly. Notes and calendar lacks integration with Siri, but otherwise their capabilities are not inferior to Apple applications.

disadvantages

Application of the most frustrating Hangouts, the notification of which sometimes do not reach. Also, there is no support for interactive notifications.

Although, in comparison with the timing update Google iOS-applications, these are trifles. The first new applications and functions are, of course, Android users, they appear much later in the iOS. A striking example - the absence in some applications, widgets, not to mention the support of more new features like 3D Touch.

For some users, it is critical to the lack of deep integration with Google Now. On iOS, its capacity is much smaller than in Android, and do not go to any comparison with Siri.

Another minus - is the lack of this or that functionality in applications. For example, in Gmail on Andoird there is support for Exchange accounts, and on iOS - no. The same can be said about Hangouts: Android app allows you to send more ordinary SMS, while on iOS you have to use for the "Messages".

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Many quite skeptical of Google applications for the iPhone, and it is justified. For a long time they were carelessly moved Android-version and hogs system resources. But now the situation has changed, and the Google-applications can make a worthy alternative to Apple tools. Except for some of the features associated with the deep system integration, the Google-services work very well on the iPhone.