GDGNA Summit Recap

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I had the opportunity to visit the GooglePlex last week in support of the Google Developer Group program.  I was participating in the first summit ever summit of organizers from North America.

The Campus

It is always interesting to visit the campus, as there is always a certain vibe.  I get a kick out of the energy towards continuous self improvement - never missing an opportunity to learn something new (even on the toilet, and yes, I did try the that super fancy bidet).

Android Statues

I am not one to miss a photo op with my favoite Bugdroids...  Not the best lighting (note to self, morning light is probably better for some of these statues).

The Summit

I have been to a few meetings of User Group leaders previously, and was expecting a bit more of the same from this event (the normal stuff - how to find speakers, and sponsors, etc).  We had a few of these types of meetings (of course, that is the real reason we were there).

The real value I got out of this event was being able to connect with other organizers.  Because this event had a smaller audience it was much easier to connect with other people.  I met some new organizers from chapters I can probably help (Tucson, and Boulder), and of course was able to extend my friendship with some other regional leads I hadn't connected with previously (from the Utah Chapters).

The enthusiasm and energy of other organizers, and from the Googlers running the organization (particularly Martin Omander - who ran a tight ship, thankfully keeping everyone focused and on time) is infectious.

Computer History Museum

I took a detour while I was in San Jose, and visited the Computer History Museum.  It was a lot of fun.  It is well organized, and they had some fun old computers.  I personally thought they displayed more computers from the distant past (up to 1960s), and I am more interested in the recent past (1970s up).  They did have a lot of fun computers on display, and interesting information, and I highly recommend a visit.

Unfortunately, while I was there on-time for the demo of the "Babbage Engine", it jammed at the very start of the demo, so that was a bust.

Overall, it was a fun event, and a nice opportunity to re-energize.  Thanks for the fun time Google Developer Group North America.

GDGPhoenix is less then a week away (Android Studio Tips)

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Should be a good event this month, with information appropriate for all level of developer looking to learn about Android Studio.

Details and RSVP for meetup.

Android Studio is a new IDE from Google currently in "early access preview" based on IntelliJ IDEA. Michael will review some interesting features of Android Studio that might make you consider giving it a try. This session assumes basic knowledge of Java and Android development. 

Speaker - Michael Bailey, Engineering Director - Android, American Express

Michael is the Engineering Director for the Android team responsible for American Express’ flagship consumer Android apps in the U.S. market. Development on these apps began in 2010. 

Since joining the company in 2008, Michael has worked on a number initiatives at American Express including analytics, enterprise content management, AmexLabs, iOS apps, international mobile applications, NFC payments, the U.S. homepage and the U.S. online card applications site.

Michael holds a BS in Computer Science from Harvey Mudd College and an MS in Computer Science from the University of Southern California, where he specialized in computer security. 

Including the US Consumer Apps that Michael works on0, American Express has 8 Android apps in the US Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=American%20Express) and more in the International Play Stores.

Google IO Registration Anxiety

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Google IO Developer Conference Dates and registration (gulp) was announced.

https://plus.google.com/+SundarPichai/posts/hVVvM5MJU3d

The ominous part: "We'll be implementing a new system, where you can submit your interest to attend Google I/O 2014. Successful applicants will then be randomly selected and notified shortly thereafter."  This sentence raised the anxiety level of the geek world exponentially yesterday (we tend to be an anxious bunch anyway).

I welcome changes to the registration process which has historically been frustratingly bad.

I am hoping the process will require some bare minimum requirement (maybe have to write a short paragraph about why you should go) and maybe filter based on "Googliness" (apps in the Play store, member of your local GDG ( hint ;-) ), or have a minimum number of followers on G+\YouTube).  Knowing that I can get my name on the list, and actually enter a lottery is a welcome improvement (as opposed to the "lottery" of failed web-services in years past).

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Phoenix Android Meetup

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phxmeetup.jpeg

In coordination with the Phoenix Google Developer Group, we have started a local Android Meetup. The intention of our meetings is to get local developers together to hack, and talk about our favorite green robot, and mobile development.

It is completely informal, and people of all abilities are welcome to attend.

We had a terrific turnout at the first one, and expect this will grow into a great community event.

Event Details:

Date & Time:  4th Wed of every month (starts around 6:30p)

Location: CoHoots Coworking

RSVP and More Details: http://www.meetup.com/PHX-Android/