Last week at BUILD 2012, Microsoft held court at its Redmond, Washington campus to give developers hints on how to make Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 apps. The company even held a Hackathon where small teams could make their own apps and maybe win $2,500.
Today, Microsoft has announced yet another opportunity for app developers via a new contest, but this one is a bit different. Today, the company unveiled the Windows 8 Apps For Social Good contest, for both Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 apps.
In a blog post, Microsoft said:
For the purposes of the contest, Microsoft Citizenship defines a social good application as “a good or service that provides some sort of benefit to the general public and doesn’t solely exist to provide the maximum possible return to shareholders.” Some examples of social issues include clean water, literacy, food security and a healthy environment. These are all issues that can be aided through the creative use of technology, including apps.
The contest started today and runs through February 28, 2013. Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 app developers can create their apps and have them published in Microsoft"s respective download stores, then register them on the Apps For Social Good website. In March, a panel of judges will pick the winning apps. The teams with the best Windows 8 app and the best Windows Phone 8 app will get $15,000 each. There will also be a People"s Choice winning app which will get $10,000.
Source: Windows 8 Apps for Social Good Contest | Image via Microsoft