Saturday, June 12, 2010

New contest: embeddedSPARK 2010 SUMMER Challenge

For the first year a new challenge unfolds over the summer, starts when the original embeddedSPARK Challenge ends (Microsoft announced the embeddedSPARK SUMMER Challenge at the end of April, during the ESC Silicon-Valley event), and concludes with the finalists presenting live on stage at ESC Boston, in September.

For those of you that don’t know Microsoft EmbeddedSpark initiative, it is a collection of Windows Embedded software for hobbyists which consists of full versions of Microsoft development tools and a SPARK-selected board from one of Microsoft’s hardware partners. Usually, participating to the program means that you get the software and the hardware for the price of the board.

Among many initiatives (blogs, documentation, classrooms, community forum, etc.) Microsoft organizes also a contest for embedded hobbyists and gives an EmbeddedSpark kit for free to those who pass the first round selection in the contest.

The contest is a skill-based and chance plays no part in the determination of the winner(s). The object of the contest is to provide a forum for Windows Embedded enthusiasts to showcase their skills, help build the Windows Embedded community and drive awareness of the embeddedSpark program.

This brand new summer challenge is based on Windows Embedded Standard 7, whereas the original embeddedSPARK Challenge (now renamed to embeddedSPARK WINTER Challenge) is based on Windows Embedded CE. 

Not being able to continue the winter challenge edition, early this year, I decided to try participating to the summer contest wieMMEC logoth a new proposal. Based on the new Microsoft Embedded platform, the contest represents the optimal workbench to consolidate my knowledge and learn new things  in view of the Microsoft Certification Exam.

The theme for the first edition is "Media Explosion". My proposed idea is an evolution of my last year embedded device, which tries to surpass many of the limitations and usability problems I found while developing the prototype for my master degree thesis. For further information and details, check official submission entry page: eMMEC.

Within ten days, the first round winners will be announced…

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