Microsoft has recently announced that they are looking to contract with a number of developers to create new channels for the Microsoft Smart Watch (aka SPOT Watch). Microsoft will compensate the developer and supply the necessary tools and documentation. The official announcement will not be posted on the web until September 13th, but I asked permission to blog this and received it. The application can be found here and the program details here. They are on my website until the official Microsoft announcement goes live. The info is now on the MSNDirect site. The deadline to apply is September 27th.Here are some of the details from the program details document:
Channels can be divided up into 2 categories. PC Channel applications (the application and data is loaded via PC to the Watch with data upload via USB.) or over-the-air (OTA) non data channels where the application does not have data sent over the DirectBand Network on a continuous basis. The application would be a stand alone application that runs on the watch and is downloaded to the watch via the network. An example would be a game or a watch face – it doesn’t require any additional data to render as a valuable channel.
Based on the submissions received, Microsoft will select up to ten proposals to be developed as “work for hire”, and accepted applicants will be presented with the opportunity to receive up to $10,000, based on milestone completion, and be required to sign an Independent Contractor or Development Agreement.
Responses to this RFP will be in the format described below. Development will require unreleased, Microsoft proprietary development tools and information, which will be provided only under NDA to accepted proposals. Chosen participants will be given a set of fixed-date milestones to develop and test their application to be submitted to Microsoft for final testing and certification.
Each final application would then be distributed free of charge, via web and in retail with attributions to each developer.
Suggested categories for applications include the following:
• Information Managers
• Personal
• Arts, Games and Entertainment
• Text and Reference
• Travel & Leisure
• Sports
All the info is in the two documents, including how to submit proposals.