Intel has introduced a range of cash incentives and prizes designed to lure potential application developers to produce apps for their AppUp store which provides applications for Netbooks.
“The netbook has become one of the most popular consumer devices in the market today, but its true potential has been limited by applications that are not optimized for its mobility and smaller screen size” said Intel.
True, Netbooks are already fun and cheap and easy to use but they don’t offer users the same range of applications that a laptop does.
“The Intel Atom Developer Program Million Dollar Development Fund is a fund set up by Intel to address this challenge” said Intel.
“And to help accelerate innovation in software applications for Intel® Atom™ processor-based products, starting with netbooks, and eventually supporting SmartPhones, consumer electronics and more devices”.
You’ve got to admit, with a stash of suitable apps to choose from, Netbooks would offer greater appeal than they do already and they’re planning to produce apps for SmartPhones and other devices too. Cool.
However, the AppUp store has a long way to go before it can join the ranks of say the Apple App Store or the apps available for the Android platform as far as numbers are concerned, AppUp only has around a hundred or so. Still, there’s nothing wrong with a bit of ambition.
Intel has said the fund is available to individual and student developers as well as companies “to support development of groundbreaking applications for the netbook platform”.
So here’s what Intel are offering from what they are calling their “Million Dollar Development Fund”.
The Fast Track 2010 offers potential developers the opportunity to earn $500 if they submit an application before the end of this month. Between the 1st April and 15th April 250 will be chosen to receive the cash.
As part of the Dollars for Downloads 2010 incentive, if you submit an app before the end of this month then again between the 1st April and the 14th April 100 applications will be selected to receive $2 per download. This will last for four months up to a maximum of $5,000 for free apps and $25,000 for paid ones.
The second phase of their Intel Atom Developer Challenge is due to start on 9th March and this will see prizes awarded in multiple categories.
Intel said they will offer even more incentives over the coming months.
