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The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has opened its Applications Developers’ Contest, challenging designers to develop ways for users to take advantage of Bluetooth technology. The contest is designed to promote open-source collaboration that will let users develop new and improved uses for mobile phones and PCs with the help of Bluetooth wireless technology.

“Many PCs and smart phones have the potential to enhance their wireless features with the use of Bluetooth technology, yet we see these key features crippled time and time again,” said Michael Foley, executive director of the Bluetooth SIG. “Bluetooth technology has endless possibilities, and with the open-source nature of this contest, we want to challenge the general public to develop creative and innovative applications that will take advantage of all the amazing things that Bluetooth wireless technology can do.”

According to the group, the Bluetooth SIG hopes to encourage dedicated and well-versed developers to discover original and innovative applications of Bluetooth technology in devices that most members of the public use every day, such as mobile phones and PCs. A panel of industry experts will select the contest finalists based on creativity, overall functionality, and user appeal.

First prize will be $15,000 and a one-year lease of the Frontline Test Equipment FTS4BT protocol analyzer. Second prize will be $5000 and a one-year lease of the FTS4BT protocol analyzer. Third prize will be $2500. Multiple $1000 awards for honorable mention will be distributed as well. The contest will be open for the next six months, with entries due by December 10, 2010.

“The rules are simple: Applications must utilize Bluetooth technology. That’s it,” said Foley.

Interested developers can get further information directly at www.bluetooth.com/English/Pages/DevelopersCompetition.aspx. The page includes links to popular development kits to help designers get started.