Yesterday marked the start of Google's Android Developer Challenge for sub-Saharan Africa. The challenge aims to encourage the creation of innovative Android mobile apps by local developers.
In an announcement on the Google Africa blog, Google says: “In the past year alone, we have met with over 10 000 developers and techies across Sub Saharan Africa. We are continually impressed by the ingenuity and enthusiasm of this community in solving real problems with technology.”
According to Google, handheld devices have taken centre stage for consumers and developers in Africa.
“With a number of countries in the region hovering at around 80% to 90% mobile penetration, mobile is the screen size for the Web and the communication experience.”
Google adds that every day over 300 000 Android devices are activated globally. “A growing number of these mobile devices are powering for the first time in emerging markets like those in Africa.”
Entrants will stand a chance to win an Android phone and $25 000. There are three categories: entertainment/media/games, social networking/communication, and productivity/tools/lifestyle.
“To launch this competition, we have teamed up with Google Technology User Groups across Africa to host Android Developer Challenge events.”
There will be two such events held in SA; the first in Cape Town, on 3 May, and the second in Johannesburg, on 4 May.
Submissions open on 1 June and close on 1 July, with the winning app to be announced on 12 September, at Google Kenya.
“There are three competition regions - West and Central Africa, East Africa and Southern Africa,” explains Google Africa.
“Applications will be reviewed by our judging committee for the top three apps in each region by category (27 in total). Those who reach the final round will be awarded Android devices and given six weeks to make their apps even better. Finally, our winners in each category will be announced on 12 September and will be awarded $25 000. A combined total of $75 000 will be awarded.”
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