Microsoft Launches First Shared Source Contest

An anonymous reader writes "Microsoft has launched its first-ever shared source programming contest. With several XBox 360's and an HDTV on the line, hackers will download 120-day trial versions of Windows CE and associated tools, and create 'cool, real-world' apps using designated shared source components. Judging criteria include originality, real-world practicality, feature-extension of the Shared Source components, project documentation, and a short video that demonstrates the successful operation of the project. The Grand Prize is a complete Xbox 360 dream setup consisting of the Xbox 360 console, a 34-inch HDTV, games, and accessories. Three other winners will be awarded Xbox 360 game consoles."

Comments

Why not

[grahamsz]

Give out development kits for the XBox 360. That would spur a lot more cool shared-source development.

Re:Who has the copyright?

[elmartinos]

From the official rules:

You may make the source code for your Project available under the license of your choice. However, we encourage you to make the source code available under a license that offers users very broad use rights, with few restrictions, and so would enable a larger community to come together for learning, collaboration, and reuse based on your Project. For an example, see the Microsoft Permissive License.

And another thing!

[kahei]

Now Microsoft, my dear fellow, here's a thing: one doesn't create cool, real-world apps on a 120-day trial version of an OS. It simply isn't done. Oh, how I wish it were; but as it's not, it just isn't.

Now, I realize this is all part of your 'capture markets that everyone actively avoids' strategy.

Having advanced into the 'phones that stop you from playing music' market and the 'OS licenses that suddenly cut out because you didn't keep on paying' market, you're now charging into the 'writing software for environments which you have so little interest in that you need a time-limited trial version' market.

Tally-ho, eh?

Splendid stuff but to be quite honest I'm not at all sure you know what you're doing!

Anyway toodle-pip. I have the Duke of Guernsey coming over for Quake. Quake 2, that is -- old Guernsey isn't quite on top of the trends, I fear! Splendid chap nonetheless. Anyway I must dash. Fucktard.

Re:Who has the copyright?

[killjoe]

I think it's vile that MS is encouraging communism in young people. It's just not right to encourage such anti capitalist, anti American behavior amongst young people.