HUAWEI kicked off the 2022 edition of Apps UP on 24 June 2022, a global innovation contest which invites global developers to leverage HUAWEI Mobile Services (HMS) Core, a collection of open device and cloud capabilities for the development of innovative apps.
The contest, held in the Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East & Africa and China, boasts a prize pool of US$1 million (RM4.5 million). In the APAC region alone, there is a total prize pool of US$200,000 (RM896,600) across nine award categories.
An opportunity not to be missed, Apps UP 2022 welcomes all app developers looking to enter the global market, from students to hobbyists and professionals, to put their skills to the test.
Developers can be assured that they will not be alone on their Apps UP journey. Bolstered by online tutorials, expert coaching and technical support, they will be able to fast-track their app launch during the contest.
Developers will also not need to create their apps from scratch but can enhance any existing apps that they have with HMS kits.
Participating individually or as a team, app developers who publish their app on AppGallery will also gain exposure to over 730 million monthly active HUAWEI device users. Those who make it to the finals will enjoy global media exposure and co-marketing opportunities with Huawei in the future.
HMS CORE KITS
Providing solutions to multiple industries, HMS Core offers multi-terminal, cross-OS and full-scene innovative and open capabilities.
By signing up through Apps UP, developers will access HMS Core, allowing them to pursue groundbreaking innovation, deliver next-level user experiences and utilise premium content and services.
The comprehensive content and services include building blocks such as app services, media, graphics, smart devices, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and systems.
These building blocks allow developers to enable, implement and operate services for better app experiences.
Developers will also be pleased to know that HMS Core's open capabilities will support "1+8+N" scenarios in the future, a strategy to help users stay connected effortlessly and seamlessly. The strategy connects a wide range of products to serve different scenarios, including smart homes, sports and health, audio-visual entertainment and smart travel products.
HEAR FROM THE APPS UP 2021 WINNERS
Founding Managing Director of Plano, Mohamed Dirani, can attest to HMS Core's benefits. Plano is a Singapore-based health application that offers technological solutions to improve children's eye health. It won the "Best Social Impact App" and "Most Popular App" awards in Apps UP 2021.
"What made our life a lot easier working with Huawei were the several kits available to enable different functionalities on the operating system. The Machine Learning Kit (ML Kit), for example, enables face-to-screen detection, which is incredibly important to ensure that users are holding their phone at a correct distance," he said.
Another app, Land of Calm, was awarded Apps UP 2021's "Best HMS Core Innovation Award".
Developed by Team Alpha, which consists of two members, Supuni D. Jayasinghe and Krishalika Dilani, Land of Calm is their first mobile application.
It is a well-being app that helps users keep track of their sleep and mental well-being, with features such as a sleep routine challenge, an anxiety log analysis for self-monitoring and a calm audio playlist and stories to help users relax.
Team Alpha also tapped on various HMS kits to enhance their app.
They integrated the Account Kit for authorisation, HUAWEI Cloud Storage for data storage, Audio Kit for the playlists, ML Kit text-to-speech for reading stories and In-App Messaging feature to remind and motivate users on the sleep routine challenge.
"Even though Land of Calm is our first mobile application, it gained a larger exposure globally because of Apps UP. This would not have been feasible if we had launched our app alone," the team said.
CONTEST REGISTRATION
To sign up for Apps UP, users will need a HUAWEI ID and can easily register for one on Huawei's website.
Once users have their HUAWEI ID, they can sign up for the contest individually or form a team of no more than four members.
All works must be submitted by October 9, 2022 at 6pm (UTC +8). They must also integrate at least one HMS open capability or service and run seamlessly on devices with HMS installed.
Judges comprising esteemed industry leaders and experts will evaluate the submitted works, followed by a public voting exercise.
Results will be announced in December 2022.
Interested to participate in Apps UP 2022? Register here or find out more information on the website.