Aussie devs want Google Android advocate
The independent Android Australia developer's organisation has been lobbying for an Australian or Asia-Pacific Google Android Developer Advocate.
Domo arigato Android Advocate-o? (Credit: Google)
The groundswell in popularity for developing Android apps and the recent opening up of the paid Android app market to Australian developers may see the formation of such a role become reality, the convener of the Android Australia organisation Nick Burton told ZDNet Australia.
"Google have Developer Advocates who act as an external interface and communicate and educate developers. Ideally, when we have questions or problems we can provide feedback and create visibility for those issues inside of Google," said Burton, who is also a founder of the grassroots organisation.
He explained that while Google Maps and Google applications like the now dead Google Wave had local developer advocates there were none in Australia specifically focused on Android.
"At the moment we don't have a dedicated Android Developer Advocate for Australia or the Asia Pacific. I think once we get one of those developer advocates focused on Android then we'll have developer days specifically for Android like Apple's [iPhone development days]," he said.
The absence of official events hasn't deterred the Android Australia group, however. It hosts "hack nights" and developer presentations, which focus on helping with app development, sharing knowledge and skills.
While the group was founded by Android enthusiasts and developers, Google has recently become interested in the group and has a surprise lined up for the group's Android Pro-Am event on 3 November.
"They haven't told us what they're sending, but I'm sure it's something we'll enjoy. I don't know if it'll be T-shirts or phones, but it's great they're recognising what we're doing in Australia.
"With the Android Australia user group, each session gets better with the more diverse set of people we have down there," he said.
According to Burton, Android's Java-based back-end is often quite accessible and attractive to many developers.
"We'd really encourage people who are interested in development, both beginners and experienced, to come down — it doesn't matter what stage you're at," said Burton, adding that more people may discover the joys of developing for Android.
He hopes that by attracting more people, the community will gain more momentum and prominence and as a result, be provided with more resources and support from Google Australia.