Android vs Windows 8

The OS market has started to get red-hot. In few months time, Microsoft's Windows 8 and Google's Ice Cream Sandwich will be swaying the market. While for Microsoft, Windows 8 is an attempt to retain its undisputed market leader position in computing space, Ice Cream Sandwich is Google's Android OS extension. Expectedly, both upcoming OS are far ahead in terms of functionalities compared to their predecessors. However, it is important to know how the two stand up against each other.

Round 1. Hardware Support

Microsoft strongly believes Windows 8 will prove to be one-stop solution for smartphones, personal computers and of course, tablets. In other words, they have come up with an all-rounder. On the other hand, Google Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is only for tablets and smartphones. No personal computing support here.

Winner: Windows 8

Round 2. Open Source OS

In today's times customers appreciate open source platforms as they can be updated regularly and can be run on third party hardware products. Ice Cream Sandwich is a clear winner here since Windows 8 doesn't enjoy this luxury.

Winner: Google Android Ice Cream Sandwich

Round 3. UI (User Interface)

A UI is often believed to be a telling difference between Operating Systems. Smoother UI is a must for every OS. Windows 8 is expected to have a tile-based home screen wherein user can sneak peek into the updates of each application. Meanwhile, Ice Cream Sandwich will have a special holographic UI to provide rich experience and a better application framework.

Winner: Windows 8

Round 4. Brand Equity

It is a well-known fact that Google Android OS is the next best mobile/smartphone OS in the world today after Apple iOS. Hence, Ice Cream Sandwich already enjoys a fair bit of credibility. On the other side, it is not the case with Windows 8. It still has to prove its mettle in tablets/smartphone segment.

Winner: Google Android Ice Cream Sandwich