The contest's theme is "Show-It-Off at the Shared Source Project Competition."
Create a cool, real-world project that combines Windows CE along with either or both of two Shared Source components -- the
Windows CE WebCam driver and/or the
Windows CE DVR engine. If your project is selected by our team of judges for the Grand Prize, you'll win 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.
Project possiblities are endless: security sensors, games, robot control, face recognition,...? You'll figure it out!
About the competitionHere's a summary of how the contest works. Be sure to refer to the
contest's rules for complete details.
- Create your cool Windows CE project using 120-day free evaluation versions of Windows CE and its development tools, either or both of the designated Microsoft Shared Source components, and your own programming ingenuity
- Submit your project before midnight, Pacific Daylight Time (GMT-7) on July 28, 2006
- Winners will be announced on WindowsForDevices.com after August 15, 2006
- Judges will award prizes based on factors such as originality, real-world practicality, feature-extension of the Shared Source components, project documentation, and a short video that demonstrates the successful operation of your project
About the prizesFour prizes will be awarded:
- One Grand Prize -- the Ultimate Xbox 360 package (Estimated Retail Value, $2,500 USD), consisting of...
- Xbox 360 game system
- 34-inch HDTV
- The winner's choice of five Xbox 360 games
- Accessories for four gamers (three additional Wireless Controllers and four Play & Charge Kits)
- Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter
- Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote
- Three Xbox 360 Faceplates (Hotrod, Silver and Woody)
- Xbox Live 12-Month Premium Gold Pack
- Three First Place Prizes -- an Xbox 360 game system (Estimated Retail Value, $399 USD)
So, what are you waiting for?Are you ready to "Show-It-Off at the Shared Source Project Competition"?
Good coding! Meanwhile, here are some resources to help you get started . . .
Contest Resources
- Contest newsletter -- keep up-to-date on the latest developments, frequently-asked questions, and other topics associated with the contest
- Contest introduction -- an official introduction to the June 2006 Windows CE Shared Source contest
- Official contest rules -- be sure to carefully review the contest's rules
- Contest discussion forum -- do you have questions about the Shared Source components, how to complete the project, or how to submit your project for judging? Check out the contest discussion forum from time to time.
- Project submission page -- this is where to submit your project, when it is ready for judging (be sure to carefully review the contest rules first)
- Windows CE development tools -- here's where you can download 120-day "trial" versions of the required Windows CE development tools
- Using the Windows CE Shared Source DVR engine -- this comprehensive article provides background, technical information, and resources related to the Shared Source DVR Engine. Best of all, it includes a download (in mp3 format) of the audio portion of the special Shared Source DVR Engine Live Chat for Contest participants held on June 22, 2006.
- Shared Source WebCam driver -- here's where you can find information about the Shared Source USB WebCam driver. You can download the Shared Source USB WebCam driver from its GotDotNet.com workspace.
- Windows CE development resources -- this is the Windows CE development home page. You can also learn more about the Windows CE development process from the following links:
- Windows CE Shared Source -- this is where you can learn more about Microsoft's extensive Windows CE Shared Source Program
- WebCam driver license -- the WebCam driver is released under the Microsoft Limited Permissive License (Ms-LPL), which is also recommended (though not required) for releasing your project's application code.
- DVR Engine license -- the DVR Engine is released under the "Microsoft Windows CE 5.0 Networked Media Device Feature Pack Shared Source License Agreement" (click the link for a current snapshot PDF). The license is also visible when you install the NMD FP.
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