It's not just a better Java, if you ask me. Scala, like Clojure, aren't really pure Java replacements, fixing some of the bugs and awkward syntax details. Both try to steer the programmer towards different ways of programming. They're better, and more.
As I'm currently taking a look at Android development, I wish there was a simply "better Java". Something that doesn't stray too much from imperative C/Algol/Pascal-like programming, but doesn't require me to use a huge, bloated IDE just to cope with the language features. Better variable declaration, better modules, uniform access principle etc. Fantom looks interesting but -- again -- tries to be more than that (own library, multi-VM etc.).
As I'm currently taking a look at Android development, I wish there was a simply "better Java". Something that doesn't stray too much from imperative C/Algol/Pascal-like programming, but doesn't require me to use a huge, bloated IDE just to cope with the language features. Better variable declaration, better modules, uniform access principle etc. Fantom looks interesting but -- again -- tries to be more than that (own library, multi-VM etc.).