The Android working system incorporates functionalities absent from Apple’s iOS. These discrepancies prolong to areas like {hardware} customization, software program flexibility, and person management. As an example, Android units generally provide expandable storage through microSD playing cards, a function not discovered on iPhones. One other instance is the power to extensively customise the house display with widgets and icon packs, offering a singular person expertise not replicated on iOS.
Such distinctions afford customers higher alternative and flexibility. The supply of open-source parts in Android fosters innovation and competitors amongst producers, doubtlessly resulting in extra reasonably priced and numerous units. This panorama encourages the event of area of interest options catering to particular person wants, thereby broadening the enchantment of cell know-how. Early adoption of sure applied sciences by Android units has additionally influenced the cell market, setting benchmarks for future developments.
The next sections will elaborate on particular areas the place Android offers completely different or extra choices in comparison with iPhones, exploring elements reminiscent of file administration, default app settings, and multi-tasking capabilities. These comparative analyses will spotlight the operational and philosophical variations between the 2 dominant cell platforms.
1. Expandable Storage
Expandable storage, a attribute of many Android units however absent in iPhones, straight contributes to the perceived worth of Android as a extra versatile working system. The inclusion of a microSD card slot permits customers to extend the machine’s storage capability past its preliminary configuration. This contrasts with the iPhone, the place storage capability is fastened on the time of buy, requiring customers to pay a premium for greater storage tiers upfront. The consequence is a limitation on the iPhone person’s means to adapt to altering storage wants over time. For instance, a person who initially purchases a 64GB iPhone could discover this inadequate after a yr of taking high-resolution pictures and movies. The one answer is to dump knowledge to exterior storage or cloud companies, or to buy a brand new machine. Android customers with expandable storage can merely insert a bigger capability microSD card.
The supply of expandable storage impacts a number of sensible functions. It simplifies the switch of enormous media recordsdata between units, because the microSD card will be simply eliminated and inserted into a pc or different appropriate machine. This direct switch technique bypasses the necessity for cloud storage or proprietary software program options usually required by iPhones. Moreover, expandable storage offers an economical answer for long-term knowledge archiving. Customers can retailer massive quantities of knowledge, reminiscent of pictures, movies, and paperwork, on cheap microSD playing cards and archive them offline. That is particularly helpful for customers who generate massive quantities of knowledge, reminiscent of photographers or videographers. The absence of this function on iPhones necessitates reliance on cloud storage subscriptions or the acquisition of exterior laborious drives, doubtlessly growing long-term prices.
In abstract, the presence of expandable storage on Android units represents a big distinction in {hardware} design philosophy in comparison with iPhones. This function offers customers with elevated flexibility, price financial savings, and management over their knowledge storage. The shortcoming to develop storage on iPhones creates a dependence on various storage options and may restrict the machine’s long-term utility. This discrepancy solidifies expandable storage as a key component differentiating the Android expertise and contributes to the general notion of Android as a platform providing higher person alternative and flexibility.
2. Customizable Dwelling Display
The customizable house display is a defining attribute of Android, straight contrasting with the extra inflexible interface of iOS on iPhones. This distinction highlights a elementary divergence in design philosophy: Android emphasizes person company and personalization, whereas iOS prioritizes a constant and streamlined expertise, albeit with restricted customizability. The capability to change the house screens look and performance, due to this fact, is a big component differentiating Android. The consequences of this functionality are far-reaching, influencing not solely the aesthetic expertise but additionally workflow and accessibility. For instance, customers can place widgets of various sizes displaying real-time info reminiscent of climate updates, calendar appointments, or inventory quotes straight on the house display, eliminating the necessity to open particular person functions. This contrasts sharply with iOS, the place widgets are confined to a separate “Right this moment View” display or a particular portion of the house display in newer variations, missing the identical stage of integration and visible prominence. Moreover, Android permits customers to put in customized launchers, utterly remodeling the appear and feel of the working system, together with icon packs, themes, and even navigation gestures. This stage of customization is unavailable on iPhones with out resorting to unofficial modifications (jailbreaking), which voids the units guarantee and poses safety dangers.
The sensible significance of a customizable house display extends past mere aesthetics. It facilitates a extra personalised and environment friendly workflow tailor-made to particular person wants. As an example, a person who depends closely on electronic mail communication can place a big electronic mail widget on the house display, offering quick entry to unread messages. Equally, a person who often makes use of particular functions can prepare icons and folders in a means that optimizes their navigation and entry pace. This stage of management permits customers to prioritize the knowledge and capabilities they deem most necessary, creating a personalised digital setting that aligns with their particular duties and habits. Contemplate the instance of a area employee who wants fast entry to GPS coordinates, a compass, and particular knowledge assortment functions. On an Android machine, these capabilities will be prominently displayed and simply accessible from the house display, whereas on an iPhone, accessing these capabilities would possibly contain navigating by means of a number of functions. This effectivity acquire, multiplied over quite a few interactions each day, can considerably influence productiveness.
In abstract, the customizable house display in Android units represents a key divergence from the design ethos of iPhones. It’s not merely a beauty function however a elementary side of the working system that empowers customers to tailor their digital setting to their particular wants and preferences. The advantages prolong to improved workflow effectivity, enhanced accessibility, and a higher sense of management over the machine. Whereas iOS affords a constant and streamlined expertise, it lacks the pliability and personalization afforded by Android’s customizable house display, making it a big issue within the ongoing comparability between the 2 platforms. This distinction underscores the philosophical distinction between a system designed for common ease-of-use and one supposed for higher person company.
3. Default App Choice
Default app choice is a significant factor of the “android options iphone does not have” paradigm, reflecting a philosophical distinction concerning person management. Android permits customers to specify which functions ought to deal with explicit duties, reminiscent of net shopping, electronic mail composition, or SMS messaging. For instance, a person could select Firefox over Chrome as the first net browser or Outlook as an alternative of Gmail because the default electronic mail shopper. The working system respects this desire, launching the designated utility each time a related motion is initiated. iPhones, traditionally, have restricted this stage of customization. Whereas Apple has launched restricted default app choices in current iOS variations, the scope stays much less intensive than that provided by Android. The absence of complete default app choice in iPhones successfully dictates the person’s workflow, doubtlessly forcing reliance on Apple’s native functions or limiting integration with most popular third-party companies. This constraint has prompted criticism, with some customers perceiving it as an anti-competitive apply that benefits Apple’s ecosystem.
The sensible significance of default app choice extends to a number of areas. It promotes interoperability between completely different functions and companies. A person who prefers a particular note-taking utility, reminiscent of Evernote or OneNote, can set it because the default for dealing with notes triggered from different functions or web sites. This eliminates the necessity to manually copy and paste knowledge between functions, streamlining workflows and growing effectivity. Furthermore, default app choice enhances person privateness and safety. A person involved about knowledge assortment practices could select a privacy-focused browser or electronic mail shopper because the default, decreasing their reliance on functions identified for aggressive knowledge harvesting. Contemplate the instance of a person who prefers DuckDuckGo for net searches resulting from its privacy-focused insurance policies. On an Android machine, this person can set DuckDuckGo because the default search engine, guaranteeing that every one search queries are routed by means of a privacy-respecting service. On an iPhone, this will require manually altering the search engine setting inside every particular person utility.
In conclusion, default app choice distinguishes Android from iPhones by providing higher person company over the working system’s habits. This function fosters interoperability, enhances productiveness, and permits customers to prioritize privateness and safety. Whereas Apple has made incremental progress in offering default app choices, the restrictions stay extra stringent in comparison with Android. The disparity in default app choice reinforces the notion that Android is a extra customizable and versatile working system, empowering customers to tailor their units to their particular person wants and preferences. The power to decide on default functions represents a elementary distinction within the design philosophies underlying these two dominant cell platforms.
4. Open File System
The implementation of an open file system constitutes a core differentiator between Android and iOS, positioning it as a key component throughout the “android options iphone does not have” comparability. Android’s file system is straight accessible by customers and third-party functions, permitting for direct manipulation of recordsdata and folders just like desktop working techniques. This accessibility permits customers to straight handle, set up, and switch recordsdata between the machine, exterior storage, and different units through USB or file supervisor functions. The absence of such unrestricted entry on iPhones restricts customers to transferring recordsdata primarily by means of Apple’s proprietary software program, reminiscent of iTunes or iCloud, making a extra managed and fewer versatile setting. Consequently, the reason for this distinction lies in differing design philosophies, the place Android emphasizes person management and iOS prioritizes safety and ease, impacting the impact on person expertise.
The sensible implications of an open file system are far-reaching. It facilitates sideloading functions, bypassing the official Google Play Retailer and enabling the set up of apps straight from APK recordsdata. This performance will be notably helpful for accessing area of interest functions not accessible on the Play Retailer or for putting in older variations of apps. This function additionally helps superior file administration duties, reminiscent of creating backups of whole utility directories or straight accessing system recordsdata (with applicable permissions). As an example, a photographer utilizing an Android machine can straight copy RAW picture recordsdata from the digicam to the machine’s inside or exterior storage utilizing a file supervisor, bypassing the necessity for proprietary picture switch software program. In distinction, an iPhone person would usually have to import the RAW photographs by means of Apple’s Pictures app or an identical utility that helps RAW recordsdata, limiting the direct manipulation and group of the recordsdata.
In abstract, the open file system on Android is a big contributor to its enhanced flexibility and person management when in comparison with iPhones. This function empowers customers to handle recordsdata extra straight, sideload functions, and carry out superior system administration duties. The inherent challenges of an open file system, reminiscent of potential safety dangers from malicious recordsdata, are mitigated by person consciousness and safety software program. Nevertheless, the benefits when it comes to freedom and management are vital, solidifying the open file system as an important part of what “android options iphone does not have.” This distinction basically shapes the person expertise, impacting how people work together with their units and handle their digital content material, thus reinforcing the philosophical variations between the 2 platforms.
5. Multi-Person Help
Multi-user help, a function applied in Android however notably absent from iPhones, represents a divergence in design philosophy concerning machine sharing and person account administration. This performance permits a number of distinct person profiles to exist on a single machine, every with its personal unbiased functions, knowledge, and settings. Its absence on iOS contributes considerably to the checklist of “android options iphone does not have”, impacting areas starting from household machine utilization to enterprise deployment.
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Privateness and Information Isolation
Multi-user help creates safe partitions between completely different customers on the identical machine. Every person has their very own personal space for storing, utility installations, and account info, stopping unauthorized entry or modification by different customers. This isolation is essential in situations the place a tool is shared amongst relations or colleagues, guaranteeing that non-public knowledge stays confidential. On an iPhone, sharing a tool usually requires utilizing a single Apple ID, which compromises privateness and mixes private knowledge.
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Parental Controls and Youngster Accounts
Android’s multi-user performance usually contains built-in parental management options, permitting dad and mom to limit entry to sure functions, web sites, and content material for youngster accounts. This allows a safer and managed setting for kids utilizing shared units. Whereas iOS affords parental controls, they’re usually utilized globally to the machine fairly than on a per-user foundation, making them much less efficient for shared machine situations. The shortage of distinct youngster accounts on iPhones limits the granularity of parental oversight.
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Enterprise System Administration
In enterprise environments, multi-user help permits for the separation of labor and private knowledge on a single machine. Workers can have separate work profiles with entry to firm assets and functions, whereas sustaining their private accounts and knowledge with out compromising safety or privateness. That is notably related in bring-your-own-device (BYOD) packages. The absence of multi-user help on iPhones necessitates various options, reminiscent of cell machine administration (MDM) software program, to realize comparable ranges of knowledge segregation and safety.
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Visitor Mode Performance
Android’s multi-user capabilities prolong to a visitor mode, offering a short lived person profile with restricted entry to machine options and knowledge. That is helpful when lending the machine to somebody for a brief interval, stopping entry to private info and put in functions. iPhones lack a devoted visitor mode, making it essential to both share the first account with all its related knowledge or to create a brand new Apple ID, a cumbersome course of for non permanent machine sharing.
The restrictions imposed by the absence of multi-user help on iPhones are vital in varied contexts. From households managing shared units to enterprises implementing BYOD insurance policies, the advantages of distinct person profiles are clear. This lack of performance additional underscores the important thing variations in design philosophy, inserting multi-user help firmly among the many distinct benefits that “android options iphone does not have”.
6. App Sideloading
App sideloading, the power to put in functions from sources apart from the official app retailer, is a essential distinction between Android and iOS. It highlights differing philosophies concerning person freedom and platform management, solidifying its place throughout the “android options iphone does not have” framework. Its presence or absence has vital implications for person expertise, safety concerns, and developer alternatives.
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Bypassing Retailer Restrictions
App sideloading permits customers to put in functions that will not meet the factors for inclusion within the official app retailer. This may embrace experimental apps, area of interest functions, or software program that violates retailer insurance policies. For instance, emulators for older gaming consoles or apps providing functionalities that compete with platform-native options could be sideloaded. This bypass mechanism affords a stage of freedom unavailable on iOS, the place all functions should go Apple’s evaluation course of.
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Developer Flexibility and Testing
Sideloading permits builders to distribute and take a look at functions exterior the constraints of the official retailer ecosystem. It permits for beta testing with a restricted viewers, distribution of customized apps to particular customers, or direct distribution of functions in areas the place the official retailer is just not accessible. This freedom permits for extra agile growth cycles and higher management over the distribution course of, notably helpful for unbiased builders or enterprise deployments. On iOS, such flexibility is proscribed, usually requiring cumbersome developer accounts and provisioning profiles.
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Entry to Modified or Open-Supply Apps
The power to sideload functions facilitates entry to modified or open-source variations of current apps. This enables customers to learn from community-driven enhancements, bug fixes, or function enhancements that is probably not included into the official releases. As an example, a person would possibly sideload a modified model of a media participant with added codec help or a privacy-enhanced model of a messaging app. This functionality contrasts with the walled-garden method of iOS, which restricts entry to formally sanctioned and unmodified functions.
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Safety Concerns and Person Accountability
Whereas app sideloading affords appreciable freedom, it additionally introduces potential safety dangers. Customers are answerable for verifying the integrity and security of sideloaded functions, as they don’t seem to be topic to the identical safety checks as apps from the official retailer. Malicious software program will be disguised as legit functions, doubtlessly compromising person knowledge or machine safety. Subsequently, whereas sideloading offers flexibility, it necessitates a better stage of person consciousness and accountability in comparison with the extra managed setting of iOS.
In conclusion, app sideloading basically distinguishes Android from iOS, reflecting contrasting philosophies concerning person autonomy and platform governance. Whereas iOS prioritizes safety and management by means of a curated app retailer, Android affords a extra open ecosystem, empowering customers to put in functions from varied sources. This distinction carries each advantages and dangers, requiring customers to train warning whereas offering builders with higher flexibility. This functionality enhances the importance of “android options iphone does not have”.
7. Superior Widgets
Superior widgets signify a big component differentiating Android from iOS, contributing considerably to the array of “android options iphone does not have”. Android widgets, not like their iOS counterparts, possess a higher capability for interactivity and customization, providing functionalities that reach past easy info show. This disparity stems from elementary variations within the working techniques’ architectural designs and philosophies concerning person interplay. Android’s widget system permits builders to create interactive widgets that permit customers to carry out actions straight from the house display with out launching the total utility. Examples embrace controlling music playback, managing to-do lists, or viewing detailed climate forecasts with interactive charts. In distinction, iOS widgets have traditionally been restricted to displaying static info with minimal interactivity, performing extra as shortcuts to the total utility fairly than self-contained purposeful models. This elementary distinction empowers Android customers to perform duties extra effectively, minimizing utility switching and streamlining workflows. The result’s a extra built-in and personalised person expertise, not replicated on iOS.
The sensible significance of superior widgets extends to varied use circumstances. Contemplate a person monitoring their inventory portfolio. An Android widget can present real-time inventory costs, interactive charts, and the power to execute trades straight from the house display. An iOS widget, alternatively, would possibly solely show the present inventory worth, requiring the person to open the total inventory buying and selling utility to carry out any actions. Equally, for a person managing a wise house, an Android widget can permit management of lights, thermostats, and different linked units straight from the house display, whereas an iOS widget would usually function a shortcut to the good house management utility. This direct manipulation provided by Android widgets considerably improves person comfort and reduces the time required to handle important duties. Moreover, superior widgets improve the knowledge density of the house display, offering quick entry to essential knowledge with out the necessity for fixed utility switching. This benefit is especially helpful for customers who rely closely on real-time info and require environment friendly process administration.
In abstract, superior widgets are a distinguished function that differentiates Android from iOS, contributing to Android’s status for higher person customization and performance. The interactivity and customization choices accessible in Android widgets empower customers to carry out duties straight from the house display, streamlining workflows and enhancing info entry. Whereas iOS widgets have advanced, they proceed to lag behind Android when it comes to interactivity and purposeful depth. The absence of those superior capabilities in iOS reinforces the notion of Android as a extra versatile and user-centric working system, notably for people who worth environment friendly process administration and personalised info supply. The superior widget implementation is a transparent benefit for Android, making it a pivotal component of the “android options iphone does not have” comparability.
8. NFC Versatility
Close to Subject Communication (NFC) performance constitutes a big side of the divergence between Android and iOS, positioning “NFC Versatility” as a key part of “android options iphone does not have”. Whereas each working techniques help NFC know-how, Android historically provided broader implementation capabilities past contactless funds, the first utility in iPhones for a number of years. This broader performance enabled Android units to work together with NFC tags for functions reminiscent of automating duties, exchanging knowledge, and configuring machine settings. For instance, an Android person may program an NFC tag to toggle Wi-Fi, launch a particular utility, or alter quantity settings just by tapping the machine in opposition to the tag. iPhones, in distinction, initially restricted NFC entry primarily to Apple Pay and associated cost companies, severely limiting the potential functions for builders and customers alike. This distinction in accessibility and performance underscores a elementary disparity in design philosophy, with Android prioritizing person management and flexibility, whereas iOS emphasised a extra managed and curated expertise.
The sensible implications of NFC versatility are far-reaching. In industrial settings, Android units will be utilized for asset monitoring, tools upkeep logging, and entry management by means of NFC tags, streamlining operations and bettering effectivity. In retail environments, NFC tags can present prospects with detailed product info, personalised affords, and interactive experiences. Even in home situations, NFC tags can be utilized to automate duties reminiscent of turning on lights, taking part in music, or connecting to Wi-Fi networks upon coming into a room. The absence of equal flexibility on iPhones necessitates reliance on various applied sciences, reminiscent of QR codes or Bluetooth beacons, which are sometimes much less handy and seamless. Moreover, the broader NFC capabilities of Android have fostered innovation and experimentation throughout the developer group, resulting in the creation of quite a few NFC-enabled functions and options that cater to a variety of person wants. The consequences of restricted NFC adoption on Apple merchandise have additional created fewer probabilities for builders to contribute.
In conclusion, NFC versatility considerably differentiates the person expertise provided by Android and iOS. Whereas iPhones have steadily expanded NFC performance past cost functions, Android continues to supply higher flexibility and customization choices. This distinction underscores the broader theme of “android options iphone does not have,” highlighting Android’s dedication to person empowerment and open innovation. The challenges related to safety dangers are mitigated by person schooling and cautious administration of permissions; nonetheless, the elevated functionalities related to wider NFC adoption have confirmed superior. The various functions of NFC on Android, starting from industrial automation to on a regular basis comfort, contribute to its notion as a extra versatile and adaptable cell platform.
Continuously Requested Questions
The next part addresses widespread inquiries and clarifies potential misconceptions regarding options accessible on Android units that aren’t presently included into Apple’s iOS ecosystem.
Query 1: Why does the function set differ between Android and iOS?
The variations in function availability stem from differing design philosophies and enterprise methods. Android, being an open-source working system, emphasizes customization and person management, whereas iOS prioritizes safety, simplicity, and a tightly built-in ecosystem.
Query 2: Does the absence of a function on iPhones point out a technological limitation?
Not essentially. The absence of a selected function on iPhones is usually a acutely aware design alternative fairly than a technological constraint. Apple could select to not implement sure options to take care of simplicity, improve safety, or promote its personal proprietary companies.
Query 3: Are Android options fully superior to their potential iOS counterparts?
The prevalence of a particular function is subjective and will depend on particular person person wants and preferences. Whereas Android could provide higher flexibility in sure areas, iOS usually excels in areas reminiscent of person interface consistency and software program optimization.
Query 4: What are the safety implications of Android’s extra open function set?
Android’s openness, whereas offering higher person management, can even introduce potential safety vulnerabilities. Options reminiscent of app sideloading and an open file system require elevated person consciousness and diligence to mitigate the danger of malware and knowledge breaches.
Query 5: Will iPhones finally incorporate all of the options presently unique to Android?
It’s unlikely that iPhones will undertake all Android options, as this might basically alter the character of the iOS ecosystem. Apple could selectively incorporate sure Android options, however will seemingly achieve this in a way that aligns with its design ideas and enterprise targets.
Query 6: How does function availability affect client alternative between Android and iOS units?
Function availability is a big consider client decision-making. Customers in search of higher customization, flexibility, and management could want Android, whereas these prioritizing simplicity, safety, and ecosystem integration could go for iPhones.
In abstract, the divergence in function units between Android and iOS displays elementary variations in design philosophy and audience. Client preferences and particular person wants finally decide which platform offers a extra appropriate person expertise.
The next part will analyze the way forward for Android and iOS competitors, specializing in potential areas of innovation and convergence.
Navigating the Android Benefit
The next steering assists customers in leveraging options prevalent in Android, however absent in iOS, to reinforce machine utility and personalization.
Tip 1: Make the most of Expandable Storage Strategically: Assess storage necessities earlier than buying a microSD card. Excessive-capacity playing cards are advantageous for intensive media collections, whereas smaller playing cards are appropriate for basic file backup. Format the cardboard throughout the Android machine for optimum compatibility.
Tip 2: Maximize Dwelling Display Customization: Experiment with varied launchers to personalize the machine interface. Contemplate launchers providing gesture controls or superior theming choices. Prepare widgets primarily based on utilization frequency for quick info entry.
Tip 3: Handle Default Apps to Streamline Workflow: Assessment default app settings periodically to make sure most popular functions deal with related duties. Choose privacy-focused browsers and electronic mail shoppers to mitigate knowledge monitoring considerations.
Tip 4: Leverage the Open File System for Environment friendly File Administration: Make the most of file supervisor functions to arrange and switch recordsdata between inside storage, exterior storage, and different units. Commonly again up necessary knowledge to forestall loss.
Tip 5: Make use of Multi-Person Help for System Sharing: Create separate person profiles for relations or colleagues to take care of privateness and knowledge safety. Configure parental controls for youngster accounts to limit entry to inappropriate content material.
Tip 6: Train Warning When Sideloading Purposes: Prioritize functions from trusted sources to reduce the danger of malware an infection. Confirm app permissions earlier than set up to forestall unauthorized entry to machine assets.
Tip 7: Grasp the Use of Superior Widgets for Enhanced Productiveness: Discover the widget library to find interactive instruments for managing duties, monitoring info, and controlling machine settings. Customise widget sizes and placements for optimum visibility.
Tip 8: Discover NFC Capabilities Past Funds: Make the most of NFC tags to automate repetitive duties, reminiscent of toggling Wi-Fi or launching functions. Examine NFC-enabled equipment to develop machine performance.
Efficient utilization of those options permits Android customers to optimize machine efficiency, personalize the person expertise, and improve knowledge safety.
The next part will summarize the enduring influence of those variations on the cell know-how panorama.
Android Options iPhone Does not Have
This evaluation has illuminated a number of defining traits distinguishing the Android working system from Apple’s iOS. These disparities, encompassing expandable storage, customizable house screens, default app choice, open file techniques, multi-user help, app sideloading, superior widgets, and versatile NFC implementation, display divergent approaches to person management, system flexibility, and innovation. The inherent benefits and downsides related to every platform underscore the continuing competitors throughout the cell know-how sector.
The enduring influence of those distinctions will proceed to form client preferences and affect future technological developments. Whereas Android’s open ecosystem fosters innovation and person empowerment, iOS maintains a dedication to safety and ease. The alternatives made by builders and customers will decide the trajectory of those platforms, additional refining the cell panorama and influencing the evolution of cell know-how for years to come back. Subsequently, continued monitoring and evaluation of those traits are important to understanding the way forward for cell computing.
