Google Releases first look at Android SDK - Lures Developers with $10 million in Android Challenge

Yes indeed, Google today has released programming tools for the Android mobile-phone alliance for download, giving developers the ability to start writing software for phones due to start shipping in 2008. Some details...

In the Android Developer Challenge I, the 50 most promising entries received by March 3 will each receive a $25,000 award to fund further development. Those selected will then be eligible for even greater recognition via ten $275,000 awards and ten $100,000 awards.

Build Your Favorite Mobile Application

We welcome all types of applications but are looking to reward innovative, useful apps that make use of Android's capabilities to deliver a better mobile experience. Here are some suggested areas of focus to get you started:

• Social networking
• Media consumption, management, editing, or sharing, e.g., photos
• Productivity and collaboration such as email, IM, calendar, etc.
• Gaming
• News and information
• Rethinking of traditional user interfaces
• Use of mash-up functionality
• Use of location-based services
• Humanitarian benefits
• Applications in service of global economic development
• Whatever you're excited about!

Google will accept submissions from January 2 through March 3, 2008

Relevant Links:

Get the SDK at http://code.google.com/android/

Follow the Android Blog: http://android-developers.blogspot.com/

Developer's Challenge: http://code.google.com/android/adc.html

Get started with Android - http://code.google.com/android/intro/index.html

Image from the Android Emulator