It's not a bad idea, but do we detect a hint of desperation?
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications has issued what it calls an "Application Proclamation" (a.k.a. a cry for help) to the world's developers of mobile applications, in a bid to make its next-generation handset, the P800 Smartphone, interesting enough to buy (see
Sony Seeks Killer App).
Basically, the company wants developers to create truly compelling applications and then give them to Sony Ericsson. The 50 best will then feature on the P800. You never know: If they're really good, people might even buy the Smartphone instead of
Nokia Corp.'s (NYSE: NOK) 7650 handset.
But in setting this challenge to thousands of socially-challenged garage-dwellers who never see the light of day, it may not have pitched itself strongly enough. The company "challenges developers around the world to step up and create the coolest and most original applications for the P800 Smartphone," for which the originators are offered "exposure and real opportunity."
What kind of temptation is that? "Give us a killer app to put on our phone and we'll make you stinking rich," is surely the kind of offer that would excite some serious interest.
While you're looking to see how many weeks are left until the 31 October deadline, spare a thought also for the internal applications development team at Sony Ericsson. We reckon they might be in need of a hug.
— Ray Le Maistre, European Editor,
Unstrung http://www.unstrung.com
