woZZon wins Nokia developer challenge

Rating: Clever use of Ovi Maps, apparently

Nokia UK has announced the winners for its software developer challenge and woZZon took the top slot. Other winners included Little Spender; Live Talkback; Virtual Scorer; and MoviesNow. Apart from being published on the Ovi store (obviously), the winners got at least £2,500 in cash.

The competition - Calling All Innovators – was launched back in September [2009] by Nokia in a search for talented UK developers to create ‘the next big thing in mobile applications’.

Taking the top prize (worth £20,000) was taken by woZZon (from Wozzon). It’s a search engine that provides access to a events database of 60,000 geo-coded venues and 90,000 unique events.

According to Rupert Englander, UK head of services with Nokia, “The woZZon application stood out for its innovative geo-coded venues which ties to Ovi Maps, and the sheer volume of data accessible via the app.”

woZZon automatically charts your GPS position and then searches for your chosen subject – be it a restaurant, cinema, Salsa club or gig.

Other winners across in four categories included Little Spender from Ribot. This appp basically charts your everyday spending behaviour. Hopefully it will produce in a positive change in your outgoings.

Next was Live Talkback from Greys Mead. This provides live audience interaction for mass audiences. It enables you to vote on your favourite TV shows, live events or conferences, so you can see what others are thinking in real time.

GoMo News isn’t quite sure what the Virtual Scorer game from Good News 4 Me does but it also took a prize. Apparently Virtual Gamer has got a state of the art motion detection algorithm to “create unique virtual interactive gaming environment”. OK.

Last but by no means least is MoviesNow from Endava (can’t find the web site) - an application that is used for checking the films running in the local theatres.

If you’re interested in competing next time (if there is a next time) you should keep an eye on the Forum Nokia Launchpad.

Tony is based in Surrey and is a veteran comms journalist. Tony also writes on the UK market… contact him here tony@mobileinsight.co.uk