Just because you decide upon the curved aesthetics of the iPhone does not imply you want to buy absolutely into the Apple software environment. After all, Google and Microsoft make iOS apps that can be simply as right as Apple’s defaults. Although some apps require more steps to replace the built-in variations, you could make the switch relatively effortlessly, specifically if you already use Google or Microsoft for your email and other cloud services. Here, we will guide you via the apps you need for the change and how to download them. While you could usually transfer to the Apple versions again, you may locate those you don’t need to.
Switch to Microsoft
If your PC runs Windows, you own a Surface computer or tablet; otherwise, if you like Microsoft products, you’ll likely enjoy the enterprise’s iOS apps. Instead of using the default variations of iPhone’s email, cloud storage, and other services, here’s a way to replace them with Microsoft apps.
Email, calendar, and contacts
Start along with your email patron: You’ll need to download Outlook for iOS. On top of the email, it handles your calendars and contacts and could work with each Microsoft and non-Microsoft (like, say, Apple) consumer accounts. To import emails, calendars, or connections into the app, tap the menu button on the top left, then the settings button (the cog icon), and pick out Add account.
Calls and messaging
Skype for iOS can deal with all of your video calling, voice calling, and messaging wishes. However, Apple’s cell platform may not allow any app to take over SMS obligations, so you’re stuck with its Messages app. Still, the newly revamped Skype app has an easy look and complete capabilities, including institutional chats and group video calls. Your most effective trouble is probably getting your pals to apply it.
Cloud garage
You can also replace Apple’s cloud-garage software iCloud with Microsoft’s OneDrive. When you install the app for iOS, it will sync documents between your telephone and any computer, Windows or macOS, that has the OneDrive laptop customer hooked up. OneDrive also backs up all the images and files to your phone, although you must pay for the storage area if you’ve been given many documents. Prices begin at $2 a month.
As with Messages, you can’t absolutely update the iPhone’s default virtual assistant: When you press and preserve the Home button, Siri is a good way to release the AI. However, you may install Cortana for iOS and launch it manually, then direct all your queries to Microsoft’s app rather than Apple’s. You can also sync any reminders and notes you made in Cortana for Windows or Android over your iPhone.
Office suite
You will want to create documents, spreadsheets, and displays for your painting desires. Swap Apple’s unfastened Pages, Numbers, and Keynote apps for, respectively, Microsoft’s loose Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps. If you have already created files inside the Apple apps, you must convert them to a layout that Microsoft’s variations can understand. To achieve this, open a document, tap the menu button (3 dots at the pinnacle proper), select Export, and select the Microsoft layout. You can also pick out a way to export the file, sending it thru email or saving it to the iPhone’s nearby storage.
Web browser
If you install the Microsoft Edge internet browser on your iPhone, you can sync bookmarks, passwords, browsing records, and more with an Edge browser you use on a Windows PC. Unfortunately, Apple would not permit any browser to oust Safari because of the default one on iOS. So when you tap on links in different apps, together with Facebook, they will robotically open in Safari in preference to Edge.
Your iPhone has to be pretty nicely Microsoft-sized by use now; however, install Bing Search and Feed, which acts as a stripped-down net browser for the crowning glory. Now that Microsoft Edge is available for iOS, Bing isn’t always as useful (we pick Edge). But you could still use Microsoft’s search engine for websites, photographs, information, and more. The app also includes a fundamental map-seek characteristic, although Microsoft does not provide a committed mapping app for iOS.
Switch to Google
If you’ve determined to take the Google route in preference to the Microsoft one, begin with its signature function: the Google Seek app. In addition to looking at the net and Google Maps, it provides a feed of information and different records that Google curates primarily based on your previous hobby, including your Chrome surfing records. For an extra natural, conversational approach to Google search, install the Google Assistant.
Email, calendar, and contacts
Next, deploy Gmail for iOS or Google’s other email app, Inbox, which offers more automation and clever capabilities. You can choose your Gmail pastime right in which you left off on any of your devices. Alternatively, join Gmail in your Apple email deal by Tap the menu button (the three strains on the pinnacle left), then your username, Manage Accounts, then Add Account, and sooner or later, pick out iCloud from the list.
You can also use your Gmail account to log into Google Calendar for iOS. The slick and clean-to-use calendar app is as proper on iPhones as on the web and everywhere else. It will consist of path sync of all your Google events and appointments, and you can also upload your Apple calendars. To achieve this, faucet the menu button (the three lines at the pinnacle left), pick out Settings, faucet Manage debts, and flip the iCloud toggle transfer toon.
Calls and messaging
Again, Apple may not permit you to replace Messages as the default SMS app. But you could nonetheless manually use Google apps for identical functions. Try Allo for textual content-primarily based messaging, Duo for video calling, and Hangouts for messaging, telephone calls, and video chats. While Hangouts remains the most comprehensive alternative, Google keeps adding new features to Allo and Duo, so maintain a watch on those apps as properly.
