Mobile Platform Comparison
Spok Mobile is available on the Apple iOS and Android mobile platforms. The core messaging functionality of Spok Mobile is very similar across these operating systems. However, the technology platforms provided by Apple and Android each have their own features and limitations. Spok Mobile takes advantage of these features and attempts to bridge the limitations wherever possible.
Spok Mobile for Android uses Google Cloud Messaging. It can also be used on non-GCM devices, such as the Zebra MC40, by deploying the Spok Notification Framework in the Spok Mobile 4.6 Server environment.
Spok Mobile uses Wi-Fi for push notifications only if it cannot establish a cellular data connection. Some devices can only receive notifications via Wi-Fi if the device display is on, the device is not sleeping, or if the device is plugged in. However, the iPad remains associated with the Wi-Fi access point while asleep, so it is able to receive Wi-Fi push notifications while asleep.
Message Delivery
| Feature | Android | Apple |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Push Notification Service / https download |
Google Cloud Messaging (GCM) Spok Notification Framework |
Apple Push Notification Service (APNS) |
| Wi-Fi Support | Yes (Push Only) | Yes |
| Message Delivery while on a phone call | Push: Yes on 3G GSM network and when in dual mode Wi-Fi: No on CDMA only |
Push: Yes on 3G GSM network and when in dual mode Wi-Fi: No on CDMA only |
| Automated Sync | Yes |
No No background support |
| Manual Get Message | Yes |
Yes Pull Message List |
Application Installation
| Feature | Android | Apple |
|---|---|---|
| Ability to install via URL | Yes | Yes |
| Ability to install via Centralized Server | Yes | No |
| Ability to install via platform application store | Yes | Yes |
Application Registration
| Feature | Android | Apple |
|---|---|---|
| Prompt user to register device phone number | Yes | Yes |
| Detect device phone number and populate registration screen | Yes | No |
| Registration Password | Yes | Yes |
Message Detail
| Feature | Android | Apple |
|---|---|---|
| Message Text Size | 4000 characters | 4000 characters |
| Accept Button | Yes | Yes |
| Reply Button | Yes | Yes |
| Decline Button | Yes | Yes |
| Place phone call from message | Yes | Yes |
Message Response
| Feature | Android | Apple |
|---|---|---|
| Reply Message Size | 70 characters | 1000 characters |
| Reply Templates |
Yes, up to 30 |
Yes, up to 30 |
Directory Access
| Feature | Android | Apple |
|---|---|---|
| Host System Login | Yes | Yes |
| Directory Search | Yes | Yes |
| Directory Favorites | Yes | Yes |
Client Initiated Messaging
| Feature | Android | Apple |
|---|---|---|
| Send Message | Yes | Yes |
Preferences
| Feature | Android | Apple |
|---|---|---|
| Ability to override system alarms | Yes | No |
|
High / Medium / Low Message Alarm Configurations *Depends on application configuration |
Yes | Yes |
| Message Alarm Configurations saved on Spok Mobile Server | Yes | Yes |
| Ability to turn off Message Listener in Spok Mobile application | No | No |
| Ability to disable Message Listen on Mobile platform | No |
Yes Disabling in platform settings will not notify application. |
| Alarm repeats | Yes, until response is sent | Notifications are resent every 30 seconds, up to 10 times or until the message is delivered |
| Alarm Volume | Yes | Yes |
| Alarm Vibrate | Yes | No |
| Alarm Vibrate Only | Yes | Yes |
| Alarm Interval | Yes | Yes |
| Alarm Sounds |
6+ Can use system sounds |
9 |
| Auto Delete Messages (days) | 1-7, 30 | 1-7, 30 |
| Auto Delete Messages | Can be set to 50/100/200/300/400/500 messages | Can be set to 50/100/200/300/400/500 messages |
| Automated Sync Interval |
5-1000 Default 60 |
No |
| Access Code (Screen lock) | Yes | Yes |
Application Status
| Feature | Android | Apple |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Status | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Site Registration Status List | Yes | Yes |
| Network Status | No | Yes |
| Push | Yes | Yes |
About
| Feature | Android | Apple |
|---|---|---|
| Version | Yes | Yes |
| Copyright | Yes | Yes |
Other (Technical)
| Feature | Android | Apple |
|---|---|---|
| Language Support | English | English |
| App runs in background | Yes | No |
| Retry messages send in background | Yes | Up to 10 minutes |
| Push Address | Push: Android ID | Push: Apple Device ID |
| Push Retry | GCM: Indefinitely |
Apple: Indefinitely Resent every 30 seconds, up to 10 times or until the message is delivered. |
| Message Delivery Status Logic | The application runs in the background and downloads a message when it receives the notification. The message is delivered after it has been downloaded. |
A notification is sent to the device to prompt the user to download the message. The message is downloaded after the user opens the application. The message delivered after it is has been downloaded. |