14 DAY TRIAL // A contest Microsoft debuted, encouraging developers to build applications for Windows 7 before the operating system general availability deadline, has proved to be extremely successful and registration is not even closed yet. According to the Redmond company, over 4,000 participants submitted applications built specifically for the latest iteration of the Windows client, entering the competition for a chance to win $17,777. However, the number of registrants is bound to grow as the Code7 Contest will continue to accept application submissions for Windows 7 for another four days, until October 10th, 2009.
“We offer kits/training materials available to all registrants to help them build a great and creative Windows 7 application. We are racing toward the submission deadline of October 10th so if you’d like to compete, I strongly recommend you upload your video as soon as possible,” noted Brandon LeBlanc, Windows Communications Manager on the Windows Client Communications Team.
Microsoft initially invited developers to “code to the power of Windows 7” back in mid-July 2009. In addition to the grand prize of $17,777, the software giant is ready to offer the winner a paid trip to the Professional Developer Conference 2009 in Los Angeles in November. “The Code7 Contest is a worldwide contest recognizing developers building innovative and really cool applications for Windows 7. I wanted to give a quick update on the contest. We are now 5 days away from the close of the Code7 Contest. Developers, hobbyists and students (age 18+), can upload their videos by October 10th to compete for prizes up to $17,777 at www.code7contest.com,” LeBlanc added.
Of course, it’s not too late to get in the game. Now you also have the advantage that you can browse through the submissions from other participants before you register your own application for the Code7 Contest. There are four more days to go before Microsoft will no longer accept new apps. The Redmond company indicated that it would reveal finalists and runners-up on October 26, and the Grand Prize winner on November 18.
“To enter, build an original, consumer-oriented client application that runs natively on Windows 7 (either MFC, Win32, WPF or Winforms) and addresses one or more of the following category topics: Simplify My Life; More Media, More Places; Gaming; Work From Anywhere; Safeguard Your Work; and Applications for a Better Tomorrow,” LeBlanc said.