EduGeek Android App

[LosOjos]

I've just started getting in to Android development (actually, I've just started getting in to Android full stop!) and need a project to sink my teeth in to. By way of the poll, would anybody be interested in this?

And on the technical/security front, would the kind people of EduGeek allow me the kind of [read-only] access I'd need to develop this if it was a popular suggestion?

[creese]

I'll give anything Android a go.

[LosOjos]

3 votes (OK, 2, one of them is mine) not a bad start, but thought maybe a bit of brainstorming might peak peoples interest a little, so here are a few ideas I have so far:

• Initially it'd start out as an Android optimized forum view (got to be a good place to start eh?)
• Notifications for subscriptions (possibly on a per-subscription basis) and PM's
• A widget to signify if there are new posts on any of your subscriptions, maybe also with a text message style counter
• Ability to view profiles on an optimized display
• an IM style 'online friends' list

Just a few idea's, I'm always open to suggestions...

[nephilim]

I see the logic behind it, but would it not be better to code something up so that the website is optimised for android users like the iphone/ipod users get?

[creese]

I'd love an iSpy Live Posts page.

[ZeroHour]

Not read up about andor dev yet. What language they using and whats needed to get started?

[localzuk]

Not read up about andor dev yet. What language they using and whats needed to get started?

Java is the language used in Android apps. And I'd be guessing some form of web service API, or if that's not possible, database read access would be my next guess.

[ZeroHour]

Java is the language used in Android apps. And I'd be guessing some form of web service API, or if that's not possible, database read access would be my next guess.

Yeh just noticed that. I dont think Java is particularily good but it has similarities with c# which will help. At least you can dev on windows.

[SYNACK]

If we are able to get the site to output in XML and add a cross site permissions file with the appropriate parameters then making these kinds of apps for multiple platforms will be feasible. Without this each app will have to parse the html as a whole anyway and would be rather bad performance wise. I'm willing to help in making the site able to ouput XML if required though my PHP is rather rusty.

[Theblacksheep]

I'd use it... its a bit of a pain scrolling around in the browser.

[ZeroHour]

I see the logic behind it, but would it not be better to code something up so that the website is optimised for android users like the iphone/ipod users get?

A mobile optimised theme will exist anyway. Its just nice having an app I suppose.

[Hightower]

A mobile optimised theme will exist anyway. Its just nice having an app I suppose.

A theme just allows you to browse the site easily on a mobile device. An app however can provide additional functionality like widgets and alerts.

[jamesb]

I'll give anything Android a go.

Be careful, the Nexus models (also known as replicants in popular slang) have been known to go rogue.

[creese]

Be careful, the Nexus models (also known as replicants in popular slang) have been known to go rogue.

Unfortunately I have until December before I get new phone,

[SYNACK]

An app can also provide a speedier interface and much lower bandwidth usage both of which are important for a mobile applications limited by high latency, low speed mobile links.