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Page 1 of 2 With Phone3D for Android tablets and phones nearing release, some have been asking about the differences between Android and Windows Phone 7 devices and which one may be most suitable for them. Much depends on your particular needs and circumstances.
Is Phone3D different on Android vs. Windows Phone 7?
Although both apps are designed as "native" apps for their respective operating system, Phone3D for Android functionality is nearly identical to our popular Phone3D for Windows Phone 7 (WP7). There are of course minor screen or operational differences due to the nature of the system, for instance, the bookmark icon in Android is the star (verses the flag icon used in WP7), and Tablet styled formats usually display options at the top of the screen. If you are familiar with Android, you likely know one normally short-presses the Menu button to access extra options on most Android phones, and long press to access the keyboard. Whereas in WP7 one simply taps the ellipses for extra options, and tapping a text field automatically accesses the keyboard. Since each Android device works slightly different and may have different buttons and look, we are not equipped to assist users with general Android usage on a particular model, but will be happy to assist you with questions about our Phone3D app itself. Our updated interface tips document on the Phone3D page, and the Phone3D slideshow video provides an overview of the general features in our Phone3D app itself, regardless of version. Both Android and Windows Phone 7 devices may also be mixed among inspectors working for the same company, since both can work with the same Cloud3D Services account (although each inspector should always use their private login assigned by the company).
What about general device setup?
Both Android and Windows Phone 7 require setting up a general account (Live ID/Google) to login to their markets to install apps (basically an email login). This setup is outside of 3D, but is needed to use 3D as well as other apps and features on the devices.
Cloud3D Services is required on either kind of device in order to transfer 3D Inspection System files to/from the main computer and device; thus both require a 3D software subscription plan (since 3D absorbs traffic costs on the required third-party hosted servers).
Both may also be used without phone service on a device, but still need Internet connectivity to actually transfer reports (although field data may be collected without any connection if the report is already downloaded to the phone). In Windows Phone 7, connecting without phone service can be easily accomplished by connecting via USB and using Zune desktop software and the regular computer's internet connection, or via a wifi connection. On Android this is accomplished only via a wifi connection. Some Android tablets are actually wifi only, with no option for a phone connection. In either case, we would expect most inspectors would likely download pending inspections each day to their devices before heading out to the field.
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