How exciting - just got an email giving me access to Google's App Inventor

Rob2

@QS how much sleep did you get !!

quantumsheep

You know, I answered option 2 on the poll, but really I should have gone for option 4

After looking at it, I think Stu is probably right - that making a 'traditional' game with any 'meat' to it will be difficult.

But, there are some very nice media and phone functions which could lead to the *different* types of game being made, or at least prototyped.

It has location awareness, for example, the ability to connect to Twitter, or to text someone from your contact list. This kind of stuff is why a friend and I are trying to hire a coder friend for a project that could be done in about a week in GS. Because GS, right now, lacks those functions (listed above) that we feel we need.

@Stormy:
I have absolutely no idea about he Android market. I keep hearing it'll be bigger than the iPhone one, though I don't quite see that happening myself!

I think using app inventor *could* be fun. It's not quite as intuitive as I'd like, but I've only had a quick look at it.

I think it's unfair to compare to GS though right now, mainly because I've used GS for over a year now and am *into* it. App Inventor I spent a couple of hours on, but I'm certainly not intimidated by it really - it's just something new

I think they'd be crazy not to let people sell their apps on the Android market. It'll probably happen at some point. Till then, it will probably be a good prototyping tool. If I find the time to get into it.

QS

StormyStudio

:-( no mention of the 3D Kraken blockbuster hit!

quantumsheep

stormystudio said:
:-( no mention of the 3D Kraken blockbuster hit!

Not yet.

But I will be able to make an app that tracks Kraken activity near you using the location behaviour. It will automatically text your friends saying 'Might be a bit late - Krakattack imminent'.

QS

JamesBoucher

I've had this for several weeks and have made about five test apps. Here is what I found out.

You have to have a Google Account to get it. Not a Google email account.
Not made for just games.
Very buggy.
In early beta.
Uses blocks for logic.
Yes you can use an emulator.
I've hooked my phone (G1) and tested with it.
Single screen per app.
Has database access local to phone and via Web. (Cool)
Very little game logic available. Ball & Image Sprite is the only game components.
Here are some nice features.
 GameClient
 TinyWebDB
 Voting
 ImagePicker
 Player
 Sound
 VideoPlayer
 Ball
 ImageSprite
 AccelerometerSensor
 LocationSensor
 OrientationSensor
I’m currently making a social game using it. The one page per app is a pain, but you can get around it. I’m using the TinyWebDB and writing a Web Service to communicate with a MySql database. I may even sale my Web Service to other developers.

quantumsheep

That's more like it! Thanks James for the info!

QS

JamesBoucher

I have 14 apps on the Android Market and I make about $400 a month. I think the Android Market is good for new developers because it's not so big YET. Apps tend to make money long after the fist week, unlike iPhone.

In a single month I made more $800 on the iPhone, but the next month less than $100.
On the Android side I average about $400 a month and have not put out a new app in the last three months.

Rob2

@James what tools are you using for your Android Apps...Just the Android SDK or any engines? have you got any links to your Android apps or does it work in a different way?

JamesBoucher

I use the sdk. For my new game I'm trying to use the App Inventor.

Go to my website and select Android. This will list my games and links.
http://www.coeussys.com

JamesBoucher

Sorry, I was wrong. My site does not have direct links to my Android games. I will post some later today. (currently at work)

quantumsheep

Thanks for the insight, James

JamesBoucher

If you looking for a good development environment that is cross platform, then look at Shiva3D. It supports 3d games and application on Windows, MacOS, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android, Palm and Wii, with Playstation and Xbox in development.

iDeveloper

If you want to code both iPhone, iPad AND Android apps, then look to Titanium. It uses web technology, such as JavaScript, but with a native feel.

Rob2

cheers James

butterbean

I just got access to App Inventor this morning! Very exciting! So for those of you who have waited awhile, give it some time, or resubmit your request, which is what I did

quantumsheep

Nice!

The vid I posted on the previous page will help get you started, along with part 2 of that.

Happy androiding!

QS

butterbean

@QS:

can you make simple educational apps with it, or does it not have enough features to do that?

quantumsheep

I think you'll do just fine with it mate - best to give it a go - some of your kids apps would port very nicely I think

QS

tenrdrmer

I just got my invite. Yippee. And here i was worried they just didn't pick me. lol

tenrdrmer

And just in case anyone was wonder, No it does not run very good on my linux netbook. I will have to try later on the big PC. Looks interesting though.

jonmulcahy

I got my invite earlier today, but I haven't done anything with it yet. I'll check it out this week.

AfterBurnett

You guys are wasting your time. I'm waiting for Game Engine™. :-P

LordTarantor

I just received my Nokia Razor email... Can we trade??????????

Please!