Design an app. Win a Windows phone

Planning to buy a Windows phone? Here’s an easy way (probably) out. Simply develop an app for the Window Marketplace and take home a Windows phone. Microsoft has introduced an application development program christened ‘I Unlock Joy’, which began from November 1, this year and will run until March 30, next year. Classified in four categories, applicants of each category must adhere to Microsoft’s application policies and technical certification. The winning entry has to pass certification testing and secure a place in Windows Phone Marketplace.

I Unlock Joy

The first category – Submit and Receive, needs the applicant to submit three qualified Windows apps. The app should be distinct and any replica or spam will be considered redundant. The next is the Port 2 Apps & Receive category wherein the participant submits two apps, which must be ported from the existing Android/iPhone apps.

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The third category is reserved for women developers and the first 100 registered applicants with one qualifying Windows app will take home a Windows phone each. The themes for this app include entertainment, fashion, travel, leisure and more. The next and the last category is for students. For one qualified app, students can take home a 2GB flash drive and a Windows Phone T-shirt. Students yearning for a Windows phone better get three apps published in the Windows Marketplace. However, the program for students began much earlier and will end this year on December 18.