Screaming Penguin - Source Does Matter

Well, the app that I submitted didn't win, but it really was a shell of the app I wanted to submit - which didn't make it to fruition based on a host of factors (including being in the middle of writing a book). Maybe it will be done for ADC II . . . . maybe. The one I did submit, WeatherReporter, can be downloaded (for anyone interested) via the Unlocking Android source code link (along with a bunch of other useful examples actually, and the source is completely free).

The idea with WeatherReporter is really more than just showing you the current weather conditions (though it can do that, yes), yet I am not sure that came across to the judges in its current form. The significant part is that it has a configurable background service that polls the *location of the device* and warns about impending severe weather. Meaning as the device moves to a new location, the polling for weather changes to that location automatically, and users can be alerted about weather for the area they are in (in addition to all the standard show me the weather report stuff). It didn't get the polish it needed, and really didn't deserve to win, but I still like the idea (and again didn't get to submit the completely different app I thought "could have been a contender," yet).

The list of winners of ADC I can be seen here. My hat's off to all the winners, really, great work. I have to say though, that Cooper and I specifically discussed doing EXACTLY what Sharkey does, and we also worked a bit on something we coined "Friend Radar" that was a helluva lot like Commandro (at least in concept it was, in reality Commandro has more features, and well, they actually did it - that has to count for something ;)). And, at least part of the concept behind WeatherReporter is the same as EmRadar - though EmRadar has a broader scope and is probably certainly better implemented (I didn't have a lot of time to spend on my last minute project, when the original planned project didn't materialize in time). Also, I am sure "The Weather Channel for Android" was a bit more impressive too (no details there though, wonder if it does the location based severe weather stuff also - presumably many submissions may have involved that same idea).

Again, props to all those that won, and really to everyone that contributed, Android is an exciting platform. It's a long way from perfect or ideal, especially at this point, but the idea of an entire "platform/stack" is what sets it apart in my mind (and I believe it will be a success - exactly the opposite of what a lot of pundits predict).