By Joe Cice, Front Rush
With the release of the iPad mini we are once again forced to make a choice between Apple and Android. With the landscape of technology in recruiting moving towards mobile devices, more and more recruiting events are filled with coaches carrying around tablets. It is not my intention to provide details about the tablet devices, rather let’s look at the important question: Am I an Apple or an Android? For many people this is a black and white decision, but let’s see if there is a grey area. Is it possible to use both Apple and Android devices?
First, let’s discuss the differences between Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android OS. (I will spare the geeky details and keep to the overall theme). Apple provides a system of integrated devices that provide a simple, no nonsense, and intuitive environment. The user experience is maximized and the ease of use is stressed in every application. Google Android on the other hand provides a flexible, more customizable, and personalized experience. The open source nature of the Android OS allows for more options. The system is integrated into the productivity applications that are associated with Google such as, Search, Gmail, Maps, and Drive (formally Google Docs), etc.
Now we need to ask ourselves, which would we prefer? Is it possible to use both? Some will argue that you need to use all Apple products or all Android devices, but not both. If you have an iPhone you need to get the iPad. If you have an Android phone you have to get a Nexus tablet and everyone on your staff needs the same. However, this is not true. It is possible to live in both worlds. The trick is finding out what works best for you and your staff individually and as a whole. It may even prove to be to your benefit to be versed in both environments. Believe it or not there are plenty of cross-platform applications that will allow communication between apple devices and android devices. One of the top examples of this would be DropBox. This application allows files to be shared and synced across multiple devices and OSs automatically, even from your office desktop. Google also makes plenty of iOS applications that can be downloaded on iPads and iPhones for free, and they can communicate with their Android OS counterparts.
It is not to say that you will be able to seamlessly communicate information from one device to another but there are processes and applications that can assist. Communication and sharing information between staff members is critical, and could be the difference in signing a key recruit. It may be easier to be on the same platforms; or it may be easier for each coach to utilize the device they prefer. It is even an option to have an iPhone and a Google Nexus tablet. Before making a decision, look at the differences between the devices, your past experiences, and your own comfort level with technology. The combinations are endless and are as unique as each individual and program. What you need to ask yourself is what works best for me and our staff. However, when you do this, don’t forget about Microsoft.