Wanted: Killer app for Bluetooth SIG (still)

The Bluetooth SIG is looking for applications that use the wireless technology in more interesting ways than wireless headsets or keyboards, and is offering at least $23,500 as an incentive.

The idea is to make use of the Bluetooth technology, already embedded in phones and PCs, to do something interesting.

The best application gets a cheque for $15,000, while second and third get $5,000 and $2,500 respectively; "honourable mention" entries get a grand. That's for a complete application, which has to be submitted by 10 December and make use of at least one Bluetooth profile.

The competition is billed as the "first annual" event, so if you can't get it ready in time then you should be able to try again in 2011. But this year's winner will, no doubt, be selling their application by then - ideally to one of the SIG members who are obviously interested in promoting the more interesting ways of using wireless connectivity.

Bluetooth has achieved a level of ubiquity: only the most basic handset now lacks Bluetooth support these days. Still, few people are using it for anything other than headsets or car kits. Bluetooth keyboards (and mice!) can connect to a surprising range of phones, but not a lot of people can see the point in that.

So the SIG isn't really looking for new Bluetooth devices (though they'll consider such a thing if you drop them a line) - the competition is essentially about finding ways to get people using the Bluetooth they already have. So if you've a good idea of how to make that happen then sign up and start coding. ®