With the release of the Windows SideShow Managed API SDK and the Windows SideShow for Windows Mobile Developer Preview, the Windows SideShow Team is encouraging developers to write some great gadgets by partnering up with NVIDIA to sponsor a gadget-writing contest. All finalists will get a trip to San Jose, CA in August for NVISION 2008 and one grand prize winner will receive a Dell XPS 420 SideShow-enabled desktop PC.
If you haven’t already heard, Windows SideShow is a new technology that lets Microsoft Windows send data to devices that could include, but aren’t limited to, mobile phones, digital picture frames, displays embedded in keyboards, front-panel computer displays, and displays attached to a laptop. Think you have a great idea for a gadget? Study up and get to work - the contest ends July 18, 2008.
Source- Channel 10
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Help us spread the word about Software-plus-Services. All you need is a video camera, refer to the script and lots of creativity. Click here to find out more! Terms and Conditions apply!
Exciting prizes to be given away:
+ Receive a limited-edition S+S contest t-shirt with every video submission. You’ll also receive a Microsoft LifeCam to thank you for your effort. (Please note that only 1 t-shirt and 1 LifeCam will be awarded per video entry, regardless of the number of people who participated in the video.)
+ Up to 10 of the most viewed videos get air time at Tech-Ed SEA 2008 in Kuala Lumpur this August.
+ The winner will jet off to Macau, where you can celebrate your win in style with a weekend at The Venetian Resort Hotel.
For industrial design student Avery Holleman, the inspiration for his award-winning entry in this year’s Microsoft-sponsored Next-Gen PC Design Competition struck late one evening as he chewed over prospective form factors for his design concept.
One person it struck a chord with was Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates, who knows a thing or two about business plans. In addition to being awarded first place by the Next-Gen PC Design Competition’s distinguished panel of expert judges, drawn from the ranks of leading international industrial designers, Holleman’s Napkin PC concept also earned the distinction of winning the Chairman’s Award, handpicked by Gates. Holleman received $20,000 in prize money for both accolades.
Now in its fourth year, the Next-Gen PC Design Competition, endorsed by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) and the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID), throws down the gauntlet to budding industrial designers and seasoned professionals working in the field worldwide to apply their ingenuity, design prowess and creative flair and vision to the task of not merely give existing computing form factors a superficial makeover, but fundamentally rethinking the PC as we know it from the ground up.
For Microsoft, the competition affords an invaluable opportunity to identify fresh design talent and foster dialog and collaboration between design professionals and the PC industry – interaction that is increasingly important amid the emergence of user experience as a key driver of technology adoption.
This year’s competition issued an open call to entrants to dream up futuristic PC designs that give a new lease of life to people’s passions, such as travelling, music or photography. Contestants were challenged to come up with groundbreaking designs, not only featuring eye-catching aesthetics, but melding cutting-edge hardware with the latest software to empower people to follow their passions.
Source- Microsoft Press Release
The 2008 Dream Build Play challenge! has been launched
Participants can build their dream game to compete with other game developers around the world. This year’s contest will feature Xbox360 development only and to ensure that everyone has access we will be giving away one free 12-Month XNA Creators Club Trial membership to everyone that registers.
Contestants will compete for $75,000 in prizes and the bragging rights to say their game was the best. Additionally, one of the top ten finalists will win an opportunity for an Xbox LIVE publishing contract (and the good news is that this is not limited to US residents!!!!!).
Some past contests saw some really cool games being submitted and we hope this year will raise the bar.
For more information log on to www.dreambuildplay.com
The Windows Vista Ultimate team has partnered up with TriggerStreet to create one seriously awesome challenge. Their team of pro’s (directed by Kyle Newman) has created a 5 minute video and now it’s up to YOU to create the next five minutes. Right now, all you have to do is write a killer script- and if you’re one of the winners you’ll get all the tools you need to actually shoot it. You can see the first couple minutes of Kyle’s movie here, and then head to their site to get started on your own.
Source- Channel 10
Microsoft has launched a collaborative film competition entitled "Ultimate Video Relay." The site is working together with ultimatepc.com, which was created by the Windows Vista Ultimate team to promote the operating system. Award-winning director Kyle Newman has posted his Act 1: The Cube video, and it’s up to the amateur directors to continue the story by submitting a script for Act 2 (by May 19), and later in the contest, for Act 3 (by July 21).
Once the finalists (six per act) have been chosen, Microsoft will provide them with whatever they need to bring their script to life. The prizes include a Falcon DRX laptop, a Sony HDR-SR11 Handycam, Pinnacle Studio editing software, and of course a copy of Windows Vista Ultimate. Both acts must be 2-4 minutes in length, must be in 16:9 aspect ratio, and must be filmed and edited using the prize package provided. The full contest rules (PDF) are laid out in a 12-page document and the contest schedule (PDF) is also available.
Source- Arstechnica
Microsoft opened up a world-wide simulated robotics contest where people can build virtual robots and try win in several challenges.
Here is what the site reads-
Welcome to Robochamps…where you have an opportunity to wage war in a simulated robotics competition that will cost you nothing. Robots aren’t just for rich people anymore. Using Visual Studio, Robotics Developer Studio 2008, and some unique open world environments you get to program your bot to kick some virtual butt.
Check out the site here: http://www.robochamps.com/
Channel 10 has a video about it: http://www.on10.net/blogs/tina/Robo-Champs…hen-your-robot/
You’re living the digital lifestyle. The only problem is that you’ve got thousands of digital photos, mp3s, TV shows, spread across a bunch of devices that don’t seem to connect. Wouldn’t it be nice if all of your digital media was shared across all of your devices…seamlessly.
Our makeover team will use Windows® Media Center and Extenders for Windows® Media Center to turn one lucky person’s home into a connected entertainment center. Just make a video telling us about your digital lifestyle and why you need to “Get Connected.” We’ll pick the best video and award the winner a complete digital home makeover.
The Microsoft® Digital Home Makeover will include a new Media Center PC, Extenders for Windows Media Center, and the other accessories you need to enjoy your digital lifestyle.
Send us your two-minute video and we’ll get your gadgets speaking the same language so your digital lifestyle connects.
Prizes
One (1) Grand Prize Winner will receive a "Digital Home Makeover". Grand Prize consists of a custom home entertainment system evaluation from an expert plus up to $10,000 USD in custom solutions based on the expert’s evaluation. Total Approximate Retail Value=$10,000 USD. This prize may or may not include the various items depicted in any promotional materials for this Contest. This prize does not include remodeling or redecorating the winner’s home to accommodate any new equipment awarded. Any applicable taxes on the prize or expenses not listed herein are the sole responsibility of the winner. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value if entire prize or a portion of the advertised prize is unavailable for any reason. Prize is not redeemable for cash. No barter, transfer, or assignment of any prize permitted, except by Sponsor at its sole discretion. Expert will be designated and provided by Sponsor at their sole discretion. Some restrictions may apply and all terms and conditions of the prize offered will be furnished at the time of prize award.
For more info visit: http://www.windowsmediacenter.com/contest
Ankur Mittal | June 19, 2008
