Google's $10 Million Android Challenge

By Raju Shanbhag

TMCnet Contributing Editor

 

The developers of mobile phone applications have a new opportunity to earn $10 million from Google. The Android (News - Alert) Developer Challenge will provide $10 million to developers who build mobile applications for Android, the just announced mobile platform. The applications are judged by a panel of judges and the cash prizes range from $25,000 to $275,000 to developers whose applications are picked.

 

The Android appliance was announced on November 5 by the Open Handset Alliance (News - Alert). In the Open Handset Alliance, more than 30 technology and mobile industry leaders have come together improve innovation on mobile phones and provide a better consumer experience. In this alliance, the developers can work openly, which provides them an opportunity to work interacting with each other and come up with better applications. The alliance has already released an early look at the Android software developer kit (SDK) that includes the documentation, sample projects, development tools, emulator, and libraries.

 

Andy Rubin, Google’s (News - Alert) director of mobile platforms, said in a company press release, “We believe that the Android platform offers developers a unique opportunity to create truly innovative mobile software. We’re challenging developers to stretch their imaginations and skills to leverage the full capabilities of this new platform and to create something amazing.”

 

The process of applying for this challenge goes somewhat like this. You can submit your applications for Challenge I between January 2 and March 3, 2008. Out of the submitted applications, the 50 most promising entries will be recognized by end of March with each receiving $25,000 awards to fund further development. If your application is among the 50 eligible entries, even greater recognition by applying by May 1, 2008 for ten awards worth $275,000 and another ten worth $100,000. By the end of May 2008, recognition for the top apps will be announced. When the first handsets built on the platform are available in the second half of 2008, Challenge II will be launched. The $10 million total in the Android Developer Challenge will be distributed equally between the Android Developer Challenge I and II.

 

Android platform aims to provide consumers with the most compelling experiences and awards will be given to developers whose applications leverage these qualities. Developers retain all intellectual property and other rights to their applications. Interested developers should:

 

Download the SDK at http://code.google.com/android/download.html

Build a great app.

Submit an application between January 2 and March 3, 2008.

 

Additional information about the Android Developer Challenge can be found at http://code.google.com/android/adc.html

 

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Raju Shanbhag is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To see more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

 

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