Netgear launches million dollar app development contest

Contest looks to increase Netgear's router app store

Netgear is asking developers to build apps for its genie+ Marketplace, with a $1,000,000 app creation contest.

The contest calls on developers to build apps that focus on the functionality of connected homes and businesses. Apps will be featured in Netgear's app store, which offers software for routers and NAS servers.

Developers looking to join the contest will receive a software developers' kit (SDK) based on Netgear's Smart Network architecture. Apps created with the SDK can range from business productivity to security and gaming.

Cedar Milazzo, Netgear's vice president of software engineering, said: "Netgear is focused on changing how consumers interact with connected devices in the home to create a seamless hardware and software experience.

"With this SDK, developers can create powerful home and business apps and deliver them to millions of Netgear devices. Our million dollar app contest is an opportunity for developers to amaze the world by building exciting new apps that create a compelling and unique experience for Netgear router and ReadyNAS users, further enhancing the overall connected lifestyle of consumers."

The contest is open to all US developers in Netgear's Smart Network Developer Program. Netgear will choose the three best apps and invite their developers to CES 2014.

Out of the three finalists one grand prize winner will be awarded a $10,000 grand prize. The grand prize winner will then be put into a drawing for the chance to win a $1,000,000 prize, which will be given to the winner in a 40-year annuity program.

The winning app will be chosen by a panel of industry experts and will be judged based on ease of use, features, originality, indispensability, and integration of hardware.

Those interested in participating in the contest can submit their app via Netgear's website. The company will be collecting submissions until 30 September 2013.

Netgear will constantly update its contest leader board throughout the year so participants can keep up to date with the competition.

The company has been trying to adapt its router and NAS storage line in recent months. Netgear launched a ReadyNAS appliance with Dropbox-like support late last year in a bid to update its line with more features, in line with modern cloud storage offerings.