Affiliate Marketing Secrets

How lucrative is the mobile app market right now? I’m thinking of picking up Java (ugh) and trying to see if it’s the right niche for me.
I’ve heard a lot of people say it’s a tough competition in the Android market and that turning a profit is quite difficult. How did it go for you?

I go to a school which uses a .edu email system that runs through Gmail. Is there a way I can use this account through my Gmail app on my android powered Ally? Or is there any app that will allow me to access it and receive notifications without going through the web browser?