Tablet software varies by operating system, with Apple’s iOS being the most popular and offering the most applications. Android is gaining popularity and is more compatible with certain websites, while Windows lags behind in available applications. Tablets come with basic preloaded software, but third-party applications can offer more compatibility and new programs.
There are many types of tablet software in hundreds of categories, but the main differences between them lie in a tablet’s operating system. As of 2011, there are three major tablet operating systems. They are Apple® iOS®, Google Android and Microsoft® Windows®.
Apple® software is the most popular, based on sales, and is widely considered the most advanced and easiest to use. Apple® offers more applications than any other tablet software maker. However, Apple®’s detractors dislike the lack of compatibility with many Internet sites or the closed system, which only allows integration with its proprietary components and software.
Android tablet software is gaining popularity and the number of applications available is increasing rapidly. Android applications are generally more compatible with certain websites, such as those that use Adobe® Flash® software, than their Apple® counterparts. Android does not offer as many applications as Apple® does for tablets, although this is changing as more consumers buy Android-based tablets. Many of the applications designed for Android-based mobile phones are compatible with tablets; however, functionality is often lost when installed on a tablet. For example, an Android-based phone application might appear small on a tablet and not fill the entire tablet screen.
Windows® lags behind both of the other major tablet software players in terms of available applications. Advocates of Windows®-based tablets prefer that their tablet software be compatible with their personal computers to allow for easier file sharing. Windows® software is used by most businesses around the world, so many businesses choose to use Windows®-based tablets.
In addition to the different operating systems, there are also many different functions of the tablet software. People use tablet applications to store, organize and play music and videos; navigate on the go; communicate via email and messaging services; and surf the Internet. One of the most popular types of tablet software is gaming applications.
Almost all tablets come preloaded with several basic software applications. These usually include a browser, media player and email client. These are usually proprietary programs owned by the company that owns the tablet’s operating system.
There are, however, thousands of other tablet software applications that are written and owned by outside vendors. These are referred to as third party applications. Third-party applications can replace proprietary programs, make tablet applications more compatible with other operating systems, or offer an entirely new program that is not provided by the tablet manufacturer.
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