How exciting - just got an email giving me access to Google's App Inventor
quantumsheep
Member Posts: 8,188
Will go check it out now! 
QS
QS
Comments
Just reading through the docs now. I may have to get me an unlocked android phone
*scans ebay*
Google site says:
"We are receiving a large number of requests for access to App Inventor. We're working hard to increase our capacity, but it may take several weeks before we can accommodate these requests."
QS
QS and Rob
Did you claim to be an educator when you filled out the form?
That would be... lying...?
QS
if you could compare it to gamesalad (when you get more in depth with it) that would be nice too!
It's interesting. Confusing, as it's something new. Seems to be mainly web based. You do everything from within your browser.
Here's a 'hello' from the dark side:
QS
You have to use a Gmail account to request access right?
Buttons aren't moving to where I want them. I don't even know how to 'preview'
I'm just mucking about with it - should read the tutorials really
QS
@BB
You have to use a Gmail account to request access right?
Yep - I've had mine since they first came out. I doubt that has anything to do with the selection process though.
Cheers, Weswog
Just did the first tutorial and it's not doing what it's supposed to. It keeps referring to checking what you've done in the browser on the actual phone that should be connected.
I'll see if I can pick up a phone on ebay and give it a go. It's certainly interesting, and has some real potential.
We'll see.
So - excitement dampened just a little.
Who needs a Big Picture post, eh?
QS
Edit: Just saw this as part of the first tutorial:
"When an app is initially built, it works only when the phone is connected to the computer, using some magic from App Inventor."
Cheers, Weswog
After a little digging, I worked out how to do it - no need to buy another phone just yet!
I'm very proud to present to you all, my first Android app! Here's a sneak peek trailer of 'Sheep Petting QS' - available soon for $4.99
So, er, yeah, it's just a modified 'hello world' thingy - but hey, I got it running. And if *I* can, any of you can too
I found this guy's videos to be very helpful in setting it all up:
Check out his channel for the follow up vid to that.
Now I've got the emulator installed, I'll take a closer look at the app inventor thingy over the weekend i think. Lots to read and try out. Should be fun!
Hope that helps people that get to try it out!
QS
Woo...but Woe is me...
Just read FAQ and have seen this which confirms what others were saying on Gizmodo:
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Am I able to upload my app to the Android Market?
Currently there are technical limitations to being able to upload an App Inventor app to the Andorid Market but we are actively evaluating the best way to integrate with the Market.
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Ah well, sounds like they might change it at some point...Until they do I don't think I'll be putting in the time to learn the software...
.....
@QS one day the Kraken could be everywhere, first the iphone, ipad, then android then finally appearing as a bloody 3D spectacular at a retro drive in movie theatre. 'AAAAahhhh!!! It's The 8 bit Kraken Run!!!!' and so the dialogue would continue...
Or is "reinventing the wheel" required?
I like the fact that we are using a "language / dev kit" designed FOR game production.
I don't think I know anybody with an Android phone yet,
though proabably somebody I don't realize has it it.
I'll do it when: Number of Users % Ease of Creation, Dist, Selling = a good number ;-)
For the moment, iPhone seems to be the fastest growing platform for interesting software,
thus, we are here on this message board. ;-)
iPad has put a "fun" back in computers that's rarely been seen since the 8 bit era,
I knew I had to be be part of it.