14 DAY TRIAL // Recently, Redmond-based software giant Microsoft has announced the launch of a new challenge for application developers who build software for the Windows Phone 7 operating system.
Called the Windows Phone 7 App Challenge for WPC 2011, the new competition kicked off on Friday, March 25th, and should run until June 6th, 2011, the company announced.
The final judging was set for July 10th-14th, 2011, at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference, which will be held in Los Angeles.
“Build a cool Windows Phone 7 app, earn bragging rights and a chance to get a free ride to WPC 2011. You could be selected for the best app,” Microsoft says.
“You can participate by developing an application, evaluating and scoring applications, or both. The terms and conditions provide information about the types of applications you can enter, as well as the contest information and dates,” the company continues.
Those developers interested in entering the competition would have to come up with an application that meets all of the Microsoft’s requirements for applications, and would also have to be accepted by Microsoft.
At the same time, the company notes that the mobile software would need to make it into the Marketplace by June 6th, 2011.
Application rankings and number of unique downloads, per application would be reviewed, as well as average daily downloads and average feedback rating (a score of 2.5 will be used for no feedback rating). The top 50 apps will make it to the next round.
“A panel of judges will review all semi-finalist entries according to the criteria listed below and will select ten (10) grand prize winners,” Microsoft notes, adding that they would measure Functionality (30%), Use of Innovative Features (40%), Great WP7 User Experience (30%).
Specific info on the contest can be found here. Developers interested in participating should head there to register for participation.