Microsoft tempts app developers with TV ad
Follows RIM's lead with a competition promising more exposure for best entries
Published: 17 January, 2013
READ MORE: US | Microsoft | Applications | Windows Phone
Lately, RIM has enjoyed attention for successfully luring developers to its platform and it looks like Microsoft has taken notice. To make sure it keeps its edge and isn't leapfrogged by BB10 the Redmond giant is launching a competition of its own to encourage app development for its Windows Phone operating system. Up for grabs is a placement in a Windows Phone prime time ad to be aired in the US.
Where RIM has the snappily titled "port-a-thon" events, Microsoft is calling its latest promotional tool the "Windows Phone Next App Star". The competition not only hopes to attract new developers but also encourage existing ones to make new apps, as well as highlighting the best apps available for the platform.
To enter the competition, developers simply have to opt in. This enters their entire current catalogue, in addition to any apps which might be published before the closing date, which is March 5.
There are currently over 120,000 apps in the Windows Phone Marketplace which are going to have to be short-listed for the contest. Microsoft will be judging the apps based on their user rating and app quality, a factor which takes into account an app's use of Window Phone 8 features, such as live tiles. Sixty-four apps will be chosen to go up for public voting, with prizes given out along the way.
The competition is open to students, hobbyists and developers alike, with one of the main opportunities being the chance for lesser known apps, and their creators, to gain more attention.
With BB10 set to have 70,000 apps at its launch, it's easy to see why the Microsoft might be worried about the apps gap closing on them rapidly.
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