Verizon entices app developers

In attempt to fill its upcoming V Cast Apps endeavor, Verizon Wireless is inviting developers to submit application ideas. A panel of judges will review all submitted apps and award a $50,000 prize for their top pick.

Apps should fall under one of five categories: Connect, Entertain, Guide, Save Time, and Enhance Living. Apps must be new to that RIM BlackBerry platform and they must work on the BlackBerry Storm to win. Though the Storm wouldn't be our first choice for a model smartphone, we suppose that you have to start somewhere.

Besides the $50,000 prize, the winner will get 200 percent of the application's revenue for one year (Verizon will cut you off at $100,000) plus a "featured spot" (whatever that means) when the V Cast Apps launches later this year.

Developers can submit applications starting Friday through September 20. Members of the Verizon Developers Conference will pick by the category semifinalists by October 6 at which point online voting for the category winner will begin. The judges will then announce the grand-prize winner on October 30.