NETGEAR'S Million Dollar App Contest
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PRESS
Apps are moving everywhere, even into your Internet routers. Netgear is validating that point with the announcement today of a $1 million contest to find the best app for a Netgear router.
It may seem crazy for a router gear makers to jump on the app bandwagon, but it’s moving to apps for all the same reasons others are. Now you’re likely to see a wider variety of networking apps, from parental control apps to mobile apps that can troubleshoot networking problems. The technology in routers, which are essentially computing platforms, is good enough to run more sophisticated app programs than they have been able to do in the past.
There is a big benefit in tapping the creativity of independent developers to build apps that can run on top of open platform routers. The apps can generate additional income. And Netgear can generate routers that are customized at the app level for different market segments, allowing it to reduce the number of separate custom hardware devices and thereby reduce costs.
San Jose, Calif.-based Netgear launched its Netgear Genie+ app marketplace last year as it changed the hardware platform underlying its raft of router products. Those routers had been evolving over the years, but they became much more app-ready in the past two years because they had enough dynamic random access memory to actually run apps, said Cedar Milazzo, vice president of software engineering, in an interview with VentureBeat.
“We recognized a need for differentiation from a software view,” Milazzo said. “We built the software development kit across all our platforms and built out the cloud services to enable an app store.”
Netgear already has 1,000 developers who have downloaded the software development kit tools for its Smart Network Developer program. About 60 apps are live in the store now.
Netgear will take applications until Sept. 30. Then it will screen the finalists and have a panel of judges (including me) vote on the winners at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2014. The three top app developers will get a free trip to Vegas, and the final winner will get $10,000 and a chance to win the $1 million, 40-year annuity grand prize.
Milazzo said Netgear is changing how consumers interact with connected devices in the home so that the software and hardware experience can be seamless. The apps will be able to run on millions of Netgear devices that are already in consumer home networks. Most new Netgear products, except for low-end models with not enough memory, will be able to run the apps. Among the product lines that can run apps are Netgear routers and ReadyNAS network-attached storage devices.
The deadline for the contest is midnight Sept. 30. Apps are likely to fall into categories of business productivity; gaming; health; home energy; home monitoring; media (music and video); network management; network security; storage (backup and file sharing); printing; and support for both tech and non-tech services.
Judges will select winners based on criteria including ease of use; features and functions; originality; indispensability; and integration of hardware.
Milazzo said the need for better apps is clear because most home networks aren’t yet smart enough to optimize themselves for things that users need, such as improving bandwidth for streaming video that will be viewed on the main TV in the home.
“We realized the devices are always turned on and aren’t utilized most of the time,” Milazzo said. “It’s a great platform to let people do other things. We realize that we can’t do all of these things ourselves. It has endless possibilities.”
For example, he said that a coffee shop with its own router could set up a social network for its local customers, so that it can get to know more people and serve them better. Home automation and home control are also ripe areas for apps running on routers. All of the apps have to go through Netgear’s approval process for security and quality-control reasons. Milazzo said that apps are not allowed to open ports out into the open Internet, for fear of hacking.
Netgear will take a 30 percent cut on any sales related to apps.
Register
- Create a Smart Network Developer account. If you are already registered as a Smart Network Developer, please log in.
Download SDK
- Once you have registered, you can download the SDK and get started on developing your app.
- Become a Subscribed Developer
- Submit the annual subscription fee and request an App ID.
Develop Your Application
- Submit an App
- Apps must be submitted by 9/30/13.
Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., excluding MD, CO, VT and PR, 18 years of age or older. Contest ends 9/30/13. For complete official rules and details visit www.netgearappcontest.com. Void in MD, CO, VT and PR and where prohibited or restricted by law. The winner(s) of the Contest will be determined by a panel of judges from Sponsor. Only the one (1) eligible Semi-Finalist Entry receiving the highest total score from the panel of "Celebrity Judges" will be designated the Top App Developer ("Grand Prize Finalist") and eligible to participate in the Million Dollar Number Guess contest for the chance to win the grand prize. The grand prize is: $10,000 cash (awarded in the form of a check) with the chance to win a $1,000,000 40-year annuity. The $1,000,000 40-year annuity, if awarded, is payable as 40 equal, annual installments of $25,000 cash per year, without interest. Maximum of (1) Grand Prize Finalist Attempt. In order to claim the $1,000,000 40-year annuity grand prize, the (1) eligible Grand Prize Finalist must correctly guess the winning 3-digit number in its exact order as contained in the sealed prize envelope present at the event. In the event that the eligible Grand Prize finalist does not successfully complete the grand prize contest requirements, then the $1,000,000 40-year annuity grand prize will not be awarded. All Federal, State and Local laws apply. Sponsor: NETGEAR, Inc.
To deploy an application in genie+ marketplace, you must first package the application in the appropriate format. If you already have an existing application written in C or C++, simply wrap your application with an OSGI bundle. The details are in the Developer Guide, Chapter 2. Remember to include your logo (logo.png), metadata (info.xml), and privacy policy (privacy.txt). These are mandatory. Please be sure to read the NETGEAR genie+ Marketplace Store Developer Program Policies.
Important Dates
NETGEAR'S Million Dollar App contest runs 5/1/13 – 9/30/13. The contest consists of five stages as outlined below:
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App Submissions |
May 1, 2013 |
September 30, 2013 |
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Round 1 Judging to determine |
October 1, 2013 |
October 31, 2013 |
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Top 3 App Developers Notification |
November 1, 2013 |
December 1, 2013 |
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Round 2 Judging, Celebrity Judges |
December 31, 2013 |
January 6, 2014 |
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Top App Developer Announced & |
January 6, 2014 |
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Current ranking as of May 06, 2013
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An In-Depth Look at Netgear's Million Dollar App Contest
Netgear, a well-known name in the world of networking hardware, launched its ambitious Million Dollar App Contest in 2013. This contest was designed to stimulate innovation and leverage the creativity of developers to create applications specifically for Netgear’s range of routers and network-attached storage (NAS) devices. The competition not only highlighted Netgear's commitment to integrating software capabilities with hardware but also aimed to expand the utility of their devices beyond traditional networking functions.
The Genesis and Objectives of the Contest
The contest was conceived as part of Netgear's broader strategy to enhance the capabilities of its devices through third-party applications. As routers and NAS devices became more powerful, the potential for running sophisticated applications on these devices increased. Netgear recognized this potential and sought to create an ecosystem similar to app stores found on smartphones and tablets.
By inviting developers to create apps, Netgear aimed to tap into new revenue streams and provide added value to their customers. The contest was open to legal residents of the United States, excluding certain states due to legal restrictions. Developers were required to use the Netgear Smart Network Software Development Kit (SDK) to build their applications. The contest categories included business productivity, gaming, health, home energy, home monitoring, media, network management, network security, storage, printing, and support services.
Structure and Prizes
The Million Dollar App Contest was structured in multiple phases. Developers were given from May 1, 2013, to September 30, 2013, to submit their applications. A panel of judges, consisting of industry experts, evaluated the apps based on several criteria: ease of use, features and functions, originality, indispensability, and hardware integration. The top three app developers were awarded a trip to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where the final judging took place.
The winner received a $10,000 cash prize and the opportunity to win a $1,000,000 annuity, payable over 40 years. This grand prize was contingent upon the winner correctly guessing a three-digit number, a task that added a game show-like twist to the competition.
Developer Engagement and Community Response
Netgear's contest generated significant interest among developers. The company reported that over 1,000 developers downloaded the SDK tools necessary for participation. The developers' community was abuzz with discussions about potential app ideas and the contest's impact on the future of networking technology. Some developers appreciated the opportunity to innovate on a well-established platform like Netgear’s, while others expressed skepticism about the practical implementation and monetization of such apps.
Forums like SmallNetBuilder and Netgear's own community pages were filled with conversations about the contest. Participants and observers discussed various aspects, from the potential of router-based apps to the specifics of the contest rules and judging criteria. There were also debates about the feasibility of apps in enhancing router functionalities, reflecting both excitement and skepticism within the tech community.
Technical Insights and Challenges
Developing applications for routers and NAS devices posed unique challenges. Unlike traditional app development for PCs or mobile devices, router apps needed to operate within the constraints of embedded systems. Developers had to ensure their apps were efficient, secure, and compatible with Netgear’s hardware.
Netgear provided extensive documentation and support to help developers navigate these challenges. The SDK included tools for creating applications that could manage network traffic, enhance security, provide media streaming, and even integrate with smart home systems. However, developers had to adhere to strict guidelines to ensure their apps did not compromise the security and stability of the network devices.
Examples of Winning Apps
While detailed information about the winning apps was not widely publicized, some examples of the types of applications that were envisioned include:
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Symform Cloud Backup: An app designed to offer distributed, crowd-sourced cloud backup services. Users could contribute excess local drive space to the network in exchange for cloud data backup, providing a secure and cost-effective solution for data protection.
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Polkast - Your Personal Cloud: This app allowed users to access content from any device without syncing or pre-planning. It enabled instant access to videos, photos, music, and documents stored on Netgear devices, enhancing media consumption and file management capabilities.
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Skifta: A media control app that allowed users to stream and control music, videos, and photos on DLNA-certified devices. This app exemplified how router-based applications could integrate with home entertainment systems to provide seamless media experiences.
The Aftermath and Legacy
The Million Dollar App Contest was a bold move by Netgear to position itself at the forefront of network device innovation. By encouraging third-party developers to create new functionalities for its devices, Netgear aimed to transform routers and NAS devices into versatile hubs for home and business networks.
However, the contest also faced some criticisms. Participants pointed out the complexity of the submission process and the stringent rules that limited eligibility. Additionally, the ambitious nature of the contest meant that not all participants could meet the high standards set by the judging panel. Despite these challenges, the contest succeeded in highlighting the potential of router-based applications and set the stage for future innovations in the networking industry.
Conclusion
Netgear's Million Dollar App Contest was more than just a marketing stunt; it was an exploration into the future of networking technology. By inviting developers to innovate and create new applications, Netgear aimed to redefine the capabilities of its devices and provide additional value to its customers. The contest showcased the possibilities of integrating software with hardware in novel ways, paving the way for future advancements in the field.
For developers, the contest was an opportunity to showcase their skills and contribute to a growing ecosystem of network applications. For Netgear, it was a step towards creating a more connected and functional home and business environment. While the contest had its share of challenges and criticisms, it ultimately highlighted the importance of innovation and the endless possibilities of technology when creativity is unleashed.
Exploring the Popularity and Impact of Netgear's Million Dollar App Contest
Introduction
Netgear, a leading name in networking hardware, launched its ambitious Million Dollar App Contest in 2013. This initiative aimed to foster innovation by encouraging developers to create applications for Netgear’s range of routers and network-attached storage (NAS) devices. While the contest attracted significant attention and participation, its overall popularity and impact have been subjects of discussion among the tech community.
The Contest's Inception and Structure
The contest was part of Netgear's strategy to enhance the capabilities of its devices by integrating third-party applications. Developers were invited to create apps using the Netgear Smart Network Software Development Kit (SDK), with the goal of improving the functionality of routers and NAS devices. The competition categories included business productivity, gaming, health, home energy, home monitoring, media, network management, network security, storage, printing, and support services.
The contest was structured in phases, with developers submitting their applications between May 1, 2013, and September 30, 2013. A panel of industry experts judged the apps based on ease of use, features and functions, originality, indispensability, and hardware integration. The top three developers won a trip to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where the final winner was announced. The grand prize included $10,000 in cash and a chance to win a $1,000,000 annuity.
Developer Engagement and Community Response
The contest generated significant interest within the developer community. Over 1,000 developers downloaded the SDK tools necessary for participation, indicating a strong initial engagement. Forums and community pages, such as SmallNetBuilder and Netgear's own platforms, were active with discussions about potential app ideas and the contest's rules and criteria.
However, there were also criticisms regarding the complexity of the submission process and the stringent eligibility criteria, which limited participation to U.S. residents. Some developers expressed skepticism about the practical implementation and monetization of router-based apps, questioning whether such innovations would have a lasting impact on the market.
Notable Submissions and Innovations
Several innovative apps emerged from the contest, showcasing the potential of integrating software with networking hardware. Examples of notable submissions included:
- Symform Cloud Backup: This app offered a distributed, crowd-sourced cloud backup service, providing a secure and cost-effective solution for data protection.
- Polkast - Your Personal Cloud: An app that enabled users to access content from any device without syncing or pre-planning, enhancing media consumption and file management capabilities.
- Skifta: A media control app that allowed users to stream and control music, videos, and photos on DLNA-certified devices, integrating seamlessly with home entertainment systems.
Impact on Netgear and the Industry
The Million Dollar App Contest was a strategic move by Netgear to position itself at the forefront of network device innovation. By encouraging third-party developers to create new functionalities, Netgear aimed to transform routers and NAS devices into versatile hubs for home and business networks. This initiative highlighted the potential of router-based applications and set the stage for future advancements in the networking industry.
Despite the contest's challenges and criticisms, it succeeded in drawing attention to the untapped potential of network devices as platforms for innovative applications. The contest demonstrated how software could enhance the functionality of hardware, providing users with added value and improving their overall connected experience.
Conclusion
Netgear's Million Dollar App Contest was an ambitious and innovative effort to integrate third-party applications with its hardware. While the contest faced some criticisms regarding its execution and eligibility criteria, it ultimately highlighted the importance of innovation in the networking industry. By encouraging developers to create new applications, Netgear aimed to redefine the capabilities of its devices and provide additional value to its customers. The contest showcased the potential of router-based applications and paved the way for future innovations in the field.
Press & Media Coverage
The Million Dollar App Contest received extensive coverage from various media outlets, emphasizing its innovative approach and significant prize offerings. Publications like PR Newswire and EDN highlighted the contest's potential to revolutionize how consumers interact with connected devices, stressing the seamless integration of software and hardware that Netgear aimed to achieve【24】.
The media coverage was generally positive, focusing on the contest's potential to foster innovation and improve the functionality of everyday network devices. Netgear's efforts to attract top talent through substantial financial incentives were well-received, and the contest was seen as a forward-thinking initiative in the tech industry.
The Audience of Netgear's Million Dollar App Contest
The audience for Netgear's Million Dollar App Contest included a diverse range of participants and stakeholders, reflecting the broad scope and ambitious goals of the initiative. Here's a detailed look at the key audiences:
1. Developers and Tech Enthusiasts
- Primary Participants: The contest primarily targeted software developers, particularly those with expertise in networking, app development, and related fields.
- Attraction: The substantial prize pool, including the $1 million annuity, was a significant draw. Developers were also motivated by the opportunity to work with cutting-edge networking technology and to gain visibility in a competitive field.
2. Tech Media and Industry Analysts
- Media Coverage: The contest garnered attention from tech media outlets, which helped publicize the event and attract more participants. Coverage focused on the innovative nature of the contest and the potential impact of the developed apps.
- Analyst Interest: Industry analysts followed the contest to gauge trends in networking technology and app development. The integration of software and hardware in networking devices was of particular interest.
3. Consumers and Netgear Customers
- Indirect Audience: While consumers were not direct participants, they stood to benefit from the innovations resulting from the contest. Apps developed through the contest aimed to enhance the functionality of Netgear devices, offering improved user experiences and new capabilities.
- Marketing Impact: The contest served as a marketing tool to highlight Netgear's commitment to innovation, potentially boosting brand loyalty and customer engagement.
4. Netgear Partners and Stakeholders
- Business Partners: Netgear's business partners, including retailers and resellers, were interested in the contest as it promised to enhance the product ecosystem, making Netgear devices more attractive to end-users.
- Investors and Stakeholders: Investors and other stakeholders monitored the contest for insights into Netgear's strategic direction and its ability to drive innovation and growth in the networking market.
Conclusion
Netgear's Million Dollar App Contest was designed to engage a wide range of audiences, from developers and tech enthusiasts to industry analysts and consumers. By fostering innovation and enhancing its product ecosystem, Netgear aimed to strengthen its market position and deliver greater value to its customers and partners. The contest highlighted the potential of integrating software with networking hardware, setting the stage for future advancements in the industry.