Samsung awards developers for its mobile phone applications

SEOUL, Dec. 24 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Electronics Co., the world's second-largest
handset maker, said Thursday it has awarded software makers developing
specialized applications for its mobile phones.
Samsung Electronics announced the winners of the Samsung Application Store
Developer Challenge 2009, aimed at promoting its on-line application store
launched in September.
The application store allows users to upload and download applications for
Samsung mobile phones.
Samsung joined other global tech giants in setting up on-line application sites.
In July last year, Apple Inc. launched the first of its kind "The App Store" for
users of its global hit products iPhone and iPod Touch.
A Korean developer, HyongaSoft, and an Italy-based firm, DDM Srl, won the highest
Platinum Awards, each receiving US$100,000, according to Samsung.
HyongaSoft produced an app called "Ompass World Cities", which is a digital
compass application that provides global cities' location, while the Italian
developer created "Cinetrailer" offering users the latest movie information
through regular updates.
A total of 36 prizes were presented to developers, including the two leading
awardees, who will be offered a continuous partnership with the Samsung
Application Store, Samsung said.
"Through the Samsung Application Store Developer Challenge 2009, we were able to
provide a venue to promote mobile applications among general developers as well
as the opportunity for developers to generate profits," said Lee Ho-soo, head of
the Media Solution Center at Samsung Electronics.
ygkim@yna.co.kr
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