Moto VE66 Comes, with $200K MotoWidget Contest

Motorola has just announced the “MOTODEV Widget Developer Challenge” with $200,000 in prizes for developers who come up with intriguing ways to bring, “targeted, real-time data to mobile users”. The purpose of these widgets? “Whether delivering sports scores, stock tickers, or flight information, widgets represent a more efficient way for mobile users to access the mobile web”

The contest announcement came with the announcement of the Moto VE66, the very first Motorola handset to work in this widgetized framework. And the Moto VE66 isn’t a slouch of a phone either… it can hold its own and it all starts with a 5MP Camera.

And while the Camera is nice the widgets are the headliner of this here show. Motorola will inevitably include a number of default widgets for consumer use but how many 3rd party devs will hop on this train? With lots of money to be made with the iPhone and a 2nd Android Developers Challenge quickly approaching, will the Moto Dev Contest lure many developers?

Well, I suppose one of its draws is the fact that the competition probably won’t be as steep. Below are the 2 Press Releases for the Moto VE66 and MotoDev Contest:

Picture This: Motorola Announces MOTO VE66, Delivering Crystal Clear Calls, Brilliant Images and Pin-Sharp Music

MOTO VE66 sports audio-enhancing CrystalTalk™ technology and the first widget integration on a Motorola mobile device

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Nov. 18, 2008 – today announced the arrival of MOTO VE66 with enhanced CrystalTalk™ audio technology, a 5-megapixel camera and MP3 player-like navigation for a 1-2-3 punch of great call quality, sharp pictures and an enjoyable music experience. The sleek, slider device also boasts the first widgets integration on a Motorola mobile device, which means you receive easier, more seamless access to what matters most – whether you crave sports scores, stock tickers or RSS feeds from your favorite blogs.

“The MOTO VE66 delivers on consumer’s demand for more personalized listening and imaging experiences on a mobile phone,” said Tracey Koziol, corporate vice president, Mobile Devices, Motorola. “With a diverse multi-media experience, the VE66 truly enables you to make a statement and express yourself on your terms.”

Hear and Be Heard
MOTO VE66 amplifies your conversations and helps reduce background noise with enhanced CrystalTalk technology, so virtually nothing comes between you and your calls. From more superior voice quality to personalized noise adaptation, CrystalTalk makes a noticeable difference in the clarity and intelligibility of conversations while in a noisy environment. VE66 further enhances the audio quality with the addition of a second microphone, which helps eliminate more ambient background noise from the call.

Click and Capture Like a Pro
MOTO VE66 captures crisp and clear images with ease, bringing out the inner photographer in everyone. The VE66 contains a number of features that you might expect to find on a dedicated digital camera. Pressing a dedicated camera key, the VE66 will quickly auto focus, activate an LED flash, if necessary, stabilize the image and reduce red eye – all to help to ensure that shots are of the highest print quality. Automatic color saturation delivers whiter whites, crisper blacks and colors true to life. Use the device’s landscape feature to view photos on the brilliant color display as desired.

Quickly Connect to Your Music and Web Updates
MOTO VE66 takes you where you want to go with the FastScroll™ one-touch navigation wheel which allows you to breeze through menus and content with speed and accuracy. And that’s not all that’s fast. The MP3 player with USB 2.0 enables high-speed access to data and downloads on your PC while the Wi-Fi connectivity makes browsing the Internet or sharing photos, audio or video files with friends a cinch¹. And with integrated FM radio with RDS² – to help you “name that tune” – you can discover new music while you’re in motion.

Get access to real-time information such as weather, sports scores, stock tickers, flight information, social media and news headlines with pre-loaded and downloadable¹ widgets on MOTO VE66, the first widget integration on a Motorola phone.

And the contest?

Calling All Developers: Motorola Announces the MOTODEV Widget Developer Challenge

Open to all Web and Mobile Developers worldwide; Opportunity to win up to $200,000 in prizes and gain global exposure

SUNNYVALE, Calif. – November 18, 2008 – Motorola today announced the launch of the MOTODEV Widget Developer Challenge, a competition that allows developers around the globe to deliver the web without limits to mobile users.

This MOTODEV Widget Developer Challenge is designed to encourage all developers to get actively engaged in the future of mobile through the smallest and most personal unit of power to access the mobile web. Through widgets, mobile and web developers alike can create flexible and easy-to-develop web applications that bring targeted, real-time data to mobile users. Whether delivering sports scores, stock tickers, or flight information, widgets represent a more efficient way for mobile users to access the mobile web and an outlet for developers to be creative with a lightweight footprint.

Also announced today is the MOTO VE66, the first Motorola mobile device equipped with a widgets framework, built to support pre-loaded and downloadable¹ widgets. This capability will allow consumers to access relevant information from the Internet quickly and easily in real time, eliminating the need to actively browse websites to find regularly accessed information.

“Aligned with the principles of our MOTODEV developer network, the MOTODEV Widget Developer Challenge is all about expanding the virtually endless possibilities for tapping into the mobile lifestyle,” said Claudia Backus, Senior Director, Ecosystem, Motorola. “We’re excited that we can engage a whole new community of developers through widgets, which represent the next big leap in mobile from a software and user experience perspective.”

Open to all registered MOTODEV developers (non-MOTODEV developers can register quickly and at no charge at developer.motorola.com), the MOTODEV Widget Developer Challenge is accepting submissions beginning today and continuing until February 27, 2009. Challenge entries will be accepted in three main categories, including Best Widget in Category, Best Local Content, and Best Use of APIs, and judged in their relevant subcategory. All widgets submitted will be considered for the grand prize and title of Best Overall Widget. A panel of expert judges representing Motorola and the mobile industry will evaluate entries based on uniqueness, effective use of the platform, harmony of design, indispensability, and applicability. Category winners will be announced in the spring of 2009, and promotion winners will also be announced monthly.

Each category grand prize winner and first and second runner-up will enjoy a cash prize, global recognition of their application through Motorola, and recognition at CTIA Wireless 2009. In addition, all winners will receive a briefcase full of Motorola’s hottest handsets and accessories, and a plaque commemorating their achievement.

Interested participants should sign up to become a MOTODEV member and download MOTODEV Studio for WebUI. To become a member and experience the MOTODEV network, please visit developer.motorola.com.

To learn more about submitting a widget for consideration including official competition rules, please visit: developer.motorola.com/motodevchallenge.

About MOTODEV
MOTODEV is Motorola’s global developer and ISV program. MOTODEV combines Motorola developer initiatives into one seamless web site resource, giving developers simple access to virtually all things Motorola (from mobile devices to digital set-tops). The program helps foster innovation in application development and delivery by connecting developers with the resources they need most — tools, SDKs, and clearly defined go-to-market initiatives. And, with information and resources for a variety of products at their fingertips, developers can easily tap into new business opportunities and apply their talent across the full range of Motorola platforms.

[Via Motorola Press Releases]

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