Microsoft Pays $5000 for Windows Phone 7 App Ideas

Windows Phone 7 is not on the market yet, but it is very much present in people's lives already, and Microsoft seems set to make sure that this remains so. In addition to planning enhanced support for developers of applications for the upcoming operating system, the company is set to pay users too to come up with ideas for great applications for the platform. The prize is of $5000, accompanied by a new Windows Phone 7 device and by the application developed and launched by Microsoft for free.

Those users interested in having a specific application available on the upcoming Windows Phone 7 devices should head over to the company's website here to register their ideas. In case others find the solution worth something, they will vote it, and Microsoft is committed to build the application and to make it available as a free download after the launch of Windows Phone 7. Moreover, the user that came up with the idea will receive the aforementioned prizes. Additionally, four Zune HD 16GB devices will be offered to runners-up. The contest will end on July 8, 2010.

And since the development of applications for Windows Phone 7 is one of the main focuses at Redmond, more news on the matter emerged. The company plans on delivering actual Windows Phone 7 devices to developers prior to the general availability of the OS, as previously reported, and it is also gearing up the support for OEMs interested in deploying their own software on the upcoming devices. A Windows Phone Job listed on the company's website shows that Microsoft is looking to hire developers that would work with OEMs in the app development area.

“We are looking for a strong and experienced developer to help the OEM to design and develop applications that make their devices stand out in the marketplace. You will also help them to bring new phones to market. As you work on these cool new devices, you will be in a unique position to evaluate and provide feedback on the Windows Phone platform that will lead to higher device stability and quality. Close collaboration with internal terms and external OEM partners will be essential for success in this role,” the job listing reads.