Android started as a successful mobile platform. However, evidence is showing that Android has a bright future on other consumer electronic devices (laptops, multimedia devices, telecom, etc). It's a great platform and definitely has a future.

Just wondering if anyone out there is actively developing on Android? I'm developing applications for it at work (lucky me) for some R&D. I have to say, after tearing my hair out over Objective-C (iPhone), Android is a breath of fresh air.

Java vs Objective-C
Open Source vs Strict Licensing/Barriers to Entry
Multi-tasking vs Single App

What's not to love? Not to mention custom ROMs and "root"-ing your phone for opening native Linux shells.

Justin, I'm teaching myself Android development. Currently working on two sample projects. One is a weather app and the other is a news reader. Yes, there's a bunch of those out there already but they are good starting points for learning the platform, SQLite and XML parsing.

I have been tossing the idea to have some kind of Android (or just all smartphone/PDAs) group locally, but I have yet to gauge the interest.

Justin, the Android is not *really* open source. It is close but there is a lot of the OS that is not being published. And its multitasking is, well, interesting.

Still, I too get rather annoyed trying to get objective-C.

Reading Android Applications for Dummies currently and it is a pretty darn good guide for beginners.  Granted I'm n00b at development.

Looking for Andoid ebooks for dummies for free !

Please Need Any Help From You!

I'm teaching an Android class at Valencia.  I created a set of type-along videos to help people get started.... you can look at them here:

http://faculty.valenciacollege.edu/colin_archibald/androidprogrammi...

I also can recommend commonsware.com for some e-books that are a pretty reasonable price, and well written.