And Two Reasons Why You Shouldn’t
When we think of smartphones, we often think of Samsung with their Android phones or Apple with their iPhone, but what about a Windows phone? Microsoft was late to the party with their smartphone operating system, but they have come a long way in a very short time. Today, you could even call them a strong contender in the smartphone market.
Have you ever considered making the switch to a Windows phone from an Android or iPhone? Today, let’s take a look at some of the best reasons why you should consider it if you are in the market for a new smartphone. At the same time, we will also take a quick look at a couple of reasons why you may not want to do it. At the end of this article, it is my hope that you will recognize the value in a Windows phone and why you should make the switch. Also, I want you to understand the difficulties of making the switch. That way you know what you are getting into if you do decide to make the switch.
Reasons You Should Consider Switching
First, let’s take a look at some of the many reasons why you should consider purchasing a Windows phone. There are so many great reasons to make the switch there are almost too many to list, so today I thought we would focus on what I think you will find the most useful when you make the change.
1. User Interface
If there is one thing I love about a Windows phone, it is the user interface. It has both a mobile and a Windows feel, making it very easy to adjust to the new operating system. The interface is clean and clear, and easy to use. Personally, it is one of my favorite mobile operating systems to use, and to be honest I find something of value in all of them.
You can easily customize the interface to your liking, allowing you to create a unique experience that you will find perfect for you, no matter what your needs are when it comes to your smartphone. If you like the clean interface of Windows 10, you will love your Windows phone, I guarantee that.
2. Cortana
Have you given Cortana a try yet on Windows 10? If so, you know how powerful it can be. If you haven’t, I definitely recommend that you do sooner rather than later. Cortana, named after the character from the most popular Xbox game, Halo, is your new digital assistant. She can help you schedule meetings, find places you need to go, and even send emails on your behalf. Microsoft continues to expand her power, as well, making her the perfect assistant for you.
If you need help scheduling tasks and keeping track of your life, then Cortana is one of the best ways to do it. Plus, if you use Windows 10, you can sync your life across your devices.
3. Office and Universal Apps
Microsoft has taken great pains in creating Universal apps that a platform that is easy for developers to use to release apps for their platform. The result is a growing library of applications that are perfect for your smartphone and even Windows 10. You can easily download and install them on both your computer and your phone, so you can have a seamless experience with your apps.
In the beginning, the Windows store was rather bare. Today that is not the case. More and more apps are being released each day, making the Windows phone even more powerful than it was in the very beginning. On top of that, you can easily download and install Microsoft Office on your phone so you can work from virtually anywhere. Personally, this is one of my favorite features, as it allows me to get things done no matter where I happen to be at the time.
4. OneDrive
Cloud storage is more affordable and useful than it ever has before. In fact, you can now easily store all your files on your OneDrive and access them from anywhere. Microsoft’s OneDrive is one of the best cloud storage platforms out there, and you can use it to easily sync your files across all your devices. If you use Windows 10, save your files to OneDrive and you can then open them on your smartphone to edit them while you are on the road.
While the other cloud storage options are great, and they all have apps available, you will be hard pressed to find a better platform for Windows. OneDrive is easy to use and works perfectly across all Windows platforms, so you can easily access your files from anywhere at anytime.
5. Seamless Integration with Windows
If there is one thing that I love above all else, it is the Windows Phones’ ability to integrate seamlessly with Windows 10. With a Microsoft account and OneDrive, you can easily access all your apps and files from anywhere. Everything you need will just be there, making it easy for anyone to integrate their different devices regardless of their computing experience.
Having all your apps and files handy is a big bonus, and the ease at which you can access them is so much easier if you use Windows 10 and a Windows phone make the phone completely worth it. If you want to simplify your digital life, then I would recommend using Windows 10 and a Windows phone in order to make your life that much easier.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t
Now that we have looked at some of the good reasons to switch, let’s take a look at a few reasons why you may not want to do it.
1. Pain of Migration
Windows phones are different from iOS and Android. That means that you will have to migrate your images, media and other files to the Windows phone. This won’t be easy. In fact, it can be a little difficult. Once you are done, your Windows phone will be every bit as useful as your Android or iPhone, but it is getting it to that point can be tough. You will probably find it difficult to do it automatically like you can so often do when upgrading to a new iPhone or Android, but if you make use of OneDrive or other cloud storage services it can be less painful. Just be prepared for a little work when you first make the switch, and be sure you backup your data.
2. App Store Still Not Comparable
The Windows Store has come a long way over the years, but it still has a long way to go if it ever hopes to be comparable to the App Store of the Google Play Store. There are tons of apps available today and enough to keep you busy for hours on end, but the fact is that there aren’t as many as can be found on the competitors’ stores. In fact, some apps never make it to the Windows Store at all, meaning if you do make the switch, you may have to live without a few of your favorite apps. Still, the store is packed full of the most popular apps, so it may not be a problem for you.
Final Thoughts
Windows phones have come a long way since they were first released, and they have become increasingly popular. There is no doubt that Microsoft still has a long way to go before they can be a serious contender in the smartphone space, but they are making advances each and every day. Now, the phones can easily be used by anyone and they are especially effective if you use a Windows based computer.
The seamless integration between your PC and smartphone is one of its biggest strengths, but it will take a little bit of work converting your data from your iPhone or Android over to the new platform. Still, I believe if you do, you will enjoy your experience. So why not give it a try today? The Windows phones are powerful and easy to use. At the end of the day, that’s what we all want and need.
Have you tried a Windows phone? If so, I would love to hear from you. Are you glad you made the switch or do you wish you had stuck with your existing platform? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
