Android developers have had a lot to grumble about, and Google just added to the list. First a recap: The last official SDK most developers saw from Google was back in March, and then Google slipped up and everyone learned that only a certain few developers were privy to the latest SDK updates. And still, weeks after that, no word from Google about when the rest of the Android developer crew will get a peak at the latest iteration.
Due to these and other worries, a developer called plusminus launched a petition to Google looking for answers. The petition so far has been signed by 252 developers. Unfortunately, Google's response was less-than-enlightening:
We appreciate the enthusiasm of our developers and we're excited that you're so passionate about the Android platform. Thanks for taking the time to send this.
And that was it. While Google seems to be getting a handle on customer service on the Gmail side, due to lots of practice, it leaves a bit to be desired on the Android front. While it was nice that Google thanked plusminus and other developers for their time, it would have been better if it had returned the favor and taken some time to develop a meatier response. Now Android developers are probably even further angered, and likely some will drop the platform and decide to concentrate on something more tangible, like Apple's iPhone. In fact, Apple's market capitalization just leaped passed Google's. While the iPhone garners huge interest and sales, Android is beginning to look more like vaporware than a legitimate contender.
The Source Seeker blog is written by Julie Bort, editor of the Open Source Subnet site as well as the Microsoft Subnet, Cisco Subnet sites. Indeed, Bort is the Online Community Editor for all of Network World. She also writes The Microsoft Update blog. If you have an idea for a blog, or a news tip on open source, Microsoft or Cisco, contact her at jbort@nww.com, 970-482-6454 or follow Julie on Twitter @Julie188.
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