Microsoft contest draws teens to Windows 8

Microsoft Israel is running a contest designed to train youth (ages 15-20) in creating applications for smartphones and to provide kids with an outlet to contribute to society — while helping the company build its library of smartphone apps based on the new Windows 8 platform.

It’s all part of the Microsoft “Innovate for Good” program (Hebrew link), known as i4G, in which participants are trained by Microsoft professionals in how to write applications in preparation for a contest that can win them fame and, if not fortune, at least an Xbox 360 gaming system.

The apps are to be written for the Windows 8 mobile system, a platform Microsoft introduced half a year ago to compete with the operating systems of Apple iOS and Google Android. As the new kids on the block, Windows 8 Mobile has far fewer users than either of its competitors, which means that fewer developers are writing apps for it: the Windows Store has about 50,000 apps, which is actually a drop in the bucket compared to the 800,000-plus apps in the iOS App Store and a similar number in the Google Play Android store.

Not that the apps written by teens for the contest are likely to make a dent in that imbalance. But the apps will certainly be unique in form (if not purpose) to the Microsoft platform, since the participating teams will be using this platform exclusively for development.

The apps need to address a social need — a criterion that will be broadly interpreted, a Microsoft spokesperson said. An app could be one that fosters better communication between communities, encourages charity or volunteerism, and other similar worthy goals. The 16 best ideas — chosen by Microsoft Israel and its partner in the project, Appleseeds Academy, an organization dedicated to using high-tech to help disadvantaged youth and adults — will take part in the contest. The members of the team that produces the winning app will each be awarded an Xbox.

However, the real attraction for the participants will be the process, not the prize. Groups that are accepted into the program will go through a training and mentoring program with Microsoft professionals, who will provide them with invaluable assistance in learning the ropes of Windows 8. Teams will be judged not only on their technology, but on their app’s presentation and “social media” ability. To this end, contestants will need designers and social media marketing people, in addition to the help that Microsoft pros will supply in these areas.

The young programmers will receive intensive training sessions, and a mentor/manager will guide them through the entire process — similar to that offered in a professional setting, such as the Microsoft Israel R&D labs.

The contest in Israel is part of a worldwide “Innovate for Good” campaign initiated by Microsoft this year. In the Middle East, similar competitions will take place in Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, and Kuwait, among others.

It’s a great idea for Microsoft, as well as for everyone else, said Microsoft spokesperson Hagar Kustianovsky. “Microsoft places great importance on the development of breakthrough technologies that meet social needs. The Windows 8 mobile platform brings with it an opportunity to develop applications for the benefit of society and the environment. This project combines technology, social value, and voluntarism, and is primarily designed to channel the knowledge and skills of youth to these values — and will benefit not only them, but the rest of society.”