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Christopher Dawson

Google "attacking" developer community?

By | November 1, 2009, 9:42am PST

So, as most people are happy that Google continues to build new features into their applications — like Google Maps Navigation and Google Latitude — there are others who aren’t so impressed. Some people are upset that Google is building features that have already been developed by Android developers, and in doing so, hurting the community.

It’s easy to say that Google is attacking the developer community — but are they really? Regardless what developers think, the features they have built into Google Maps are ones that really enhance that application, and in my opinion, belong there.

Developers should concentrate on developing apps that can, and should, stand alone. There’s nothing saying you can’t use a map to visualize information or something, but don’t build applications where the map is the primary functionality. Am I crazy to think this way?

As an Android user, I’d rather have features built into established applications that I already use rather than having to download multiple apps. Does Google’s desire to make their own applications better make them evil?

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Topics

Garett Rogers has always had a deep interest in computers and the Internet, which led him to a degree in Computer Information Systems. He is currently employed as a programmer for iQmetrix.

Disclosure

Garett Rogers

Garett Rogers is employed as a programmer for iQmetrix, which specializes in retail management software for the wireless industry. He has no other formal associations with any software or hardware companies.

Biography

Garett Rogers

Garett Rogers has always had a deep interest in computers and the Internet, which led him to a degree in Computer Information Systems. He is currently employed as a programmer for iQmetrix, which specializes in retail management software designed specifically for the cellular and electronics industry.

Garett's journey into Google started with his employer asking him to "get a better rank on Google." Diving into search engine optimization sparked his curiosity for how things work and led him to create a blog dedicated to what interests him most--Google.

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RE: Google
famulla 3rd Nov 2009
Always, always when the elite get richer they strangle more and squeeze the last drop form employee as if there is any left, why is the coin so precious to many. Is food and good sleep with good health not the way of the intermediaries who can give you more service vigilant and loyal?
I thank you
Firozali A Mulla

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No.
Userama 1st Nov 2009
Improving their apps doesn't make them evil.
Killing competition by giving away apps for "free" makes them
evil.
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It is my understanding that the Google Maps Navigation will be ad supported. There is nothing stopping other GPS companies from offering free, ad supported apps.
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After all Android developers are using Android which they didn't need to pay for because Google gave it to them. Where do they think those development funds came from?

Google spreads itself fairly thin, a jack of all trades, a master of none so to speak. It is entirely possible to build a better widget than Google because Google lacks focus. These whiners should focus on producing a product that is better than what Google threw out there instead of whining about not playing fair.
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Isn't it a bit hypocritical to complain?
TheCableGuyNY 1st Nov 2009
You right! make a better app.and the consumer will decide which one is BETTER.Stop crying.if they cant do better they should QUIT the GAME.
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The problem is.....
Userama 1st Nov 2009
that for many, probably most, consumers, "BETTER" = "FREE".
Not every small company, some of them very innovative, can
compete with the 900-lb gorilla who has 25 billion in the bank
and can afford to spend a lot on R&D, then give the product away
gratis. That isn't competitive. It's competition killing!
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So Google makes a better app
wackoae 1st Nov 2009
and gives it away ... how is that evil??

If your app sucks, compared to the free app, how is that the fault of the free app developer?

Instead of whining, what about using the time and effort to make an app that will be worth paying for compared to the free app.

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Just like Google Voice
John Zern 1st Nov 2009
Apple/AT&T has a better way of doing it so they booted Google's app, so why did Google cry about it?
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Google neglects developers
javajunkie@... 1st Nov 2009
You can buy, and developers still do, an ADP1 phone (Android developers phone). Then you learn because they don't tell you anywhere on the site you can but it, that it won't develop with the latest SDK and if you ask about, you'll be told to be quite and wait. It's ridiculous.

Google employees on the Developer list say they can't say what they know without getting in trouble.

Developers beware.
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Google neglects developers
TheCableGuyNY 1st Nov 2009
fud?
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It's real
javajunkie@... Updated - 1st Nov 2009
Check the Android-DevPhone-Updating list.
Look for the "DevPhone Lifetime/New DevPhones" thread.
Draw your own conclusion.

If you use Google Groups here is a link

http://groups.google.com/group/Android-DevPhone-Updating/browse_thread/thread/ca90ddf7bc623954/4263a697eaca89f1?#4263a697eaca89f1

I'm not saying they are attacking the developing community only that the lack of information is at times frustrating.
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Microsoft Security Essentials
Theli 1st Nov 2009
One could make the same argument regarding Microsoft and
their new free anti-virus software. It "attacks"
traditional anti-virus makers by providing a free
alternative. It impinges on their ability to charge a
monthly fee for updates.

And... it keeps users safe, but really, who cares about
them?
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Another developer complaint
javajunkie@... 1st Nov 2009
the Android Developer challenge specified applications were to be for the 1.5 platform.

Some developers tracked their usage (by presumably judges), and found 1.6 was being used and that their application crashed which surely meant a low score.

It's chaos.

Google makes some interesting software and I like their stuff but their relationship with developers seems less than important to them.

You can see this on the android-developers list. Look for the threads "Update to 1.6 stops some ADC2 apps from working", "ADC2 submissions and Android 1.6 (Donut)" etc etc.
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And being a Google crony
John Zern Updated - 1st Nov 2009
of course you'll side with Google. Yeah, I know, it was terrible that Apple stepped on Google's App because they had a similar feature coming out soon, most likely, but this is different:

This is Google stepping over someone else's app, so it's OK!
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The difference
Theli 2nd Nov 2009
Google hasn't blocked any turn-by-turn application
from appearing in the Android Market. Apple on the
other hand blocked Google Voice.
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like their Listen app, then the developers have nothing to worry about, I paid for a better application as oppose to living with Listen's shortcomings.
And so far Google Maps (Not the Nav app) is all need, it gives turn by turn instructions. The only downside is the maps are downloaded on the fly as you travel and if you are in a spot with no signal no map. However it still has the blue line to follow.

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RE: Google
famulla 3rd Nov 2009
Always, always when the elite get richer they strangle more and squeeze the last drop form employee as if there is any left, why is the coin so precious to many. Is food and good sleep with good health not the way of the intermediaries who can give you more service vigilant and loyal?
I thank you
Firozali A Mulla

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