4 ms·

Well said. However, we can go to back the open platforms, like Android.

by chj 14y ago

seanmcdirmid 14y ago
Honest question: how open is Android? I mean, when you consider Play. Can you write/submit an end-user programming app like Scratch? I know we can always dev-unlock the device and install anything we want, but what about the kid with an Android tablet who wants to start hacking? I'm worried about this move to walled gardens on all the platforms. The desktop is one of the last bastions of openness, but its not really evolving. Could we have cake (openness) and eat it to (app store where devs can make money, at least easily distribute their possibly creation-oriented apps)?
- cageface 14y ago
  Android is not as open as I would like, but most devices still let you tick one checkbox in the preferences and then install whatever you like. The tools are open and free and work on Mac/Win/Linux. I think people wildly overestimate how much money the typical app can make in any of the app stores but I do think it's important that we find ways to make it easier to monetize web apps.
- altrego99 14y ago
  Won't the first thing the kid with an Android tablet who wants to start hacking do would be to learn how any application can be installed in the device?
- antrix 14y ago
  > Can you write/submit an end-user programming app like Scratch? Yes, you can. e.g AIDE : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aide.ui https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aide.ui
- notatoad 14y ago
  Android isn't google play. You can install any apk files you want onto your android device. No hacking or rooting or jail breaking required.
- chj 14y ago
  at least you can write an app and install it on your device without JB. That is already a huge advantage over iOS. Android is changing rapidly and we don't know what the future will be, however, we all know where iOS/MacOSX/windows will be heading. For me, it is no brainer -- i have to jump off their boats ASAP.

Well said. However, we can go to back the open platforms, like Android.

by chj 14y ago

Well said. However, we can go to back the open platforms, like Android.

Honest question: how open is Android? I mean, when you consider Play. Can you write/submit an end-user programming app like Scratch? I know we can always dev-unlock the device and install anything we want, but what about the kid with an Android tablet who wants to start hacking? I'm worried about this move to walled gardens on all the platforms. The desktop is one of the last bastions of openness, but its not really evolving. Could we have cake (openness) and eat it to (app store where devs can make money, at least easily distribute their possibly creation-oriented apps)?

cageface 14y ago
Android is not as open as I would like, but most devices still let you tick one checkbox in the preferences and then install whatever you like. The tools are open and free and work on Mac/Win/Linux. I think people wildly overestimate how much money the typical app can make in any of the app stores but I do think it's important that we find ways to make it easier to monetize web apps.
altrego99 14y ago
Won't the first thing the kid with an Android tablet who wants to start hacking do would be to learn how any application can be installed in the device?
antrix 14y ago
> Can you write/submit an end-user programming app like Scratch? Yes, you can. e.g AIDE : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aide.ui https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aide.ui
notatoad 14y ago
Android isn't google play. You can install any apk files you want onto your android device. No hacking or rooting or jail breaking required.
chj 14y ago
at least you can write an app and install it on your device without JB. That is already a huge advantage over iOS. Android is changing rapidly and we don't know what the future will be, however, we all know where iOS/MacOSX/windows will be heading. For me, it is no brainer -- i have to jump off their boats ASAP.