Widget runtime
The Opera widget runtime is distinct from Nokia's Web Runtime (WRT), although both are enabled by web technologies (HTML, Javascript and CSS). As such it is easy to port between the two technologies (assuming you do not use runtime specific elements).
Opera Widget Manager is being used by Vodafone to power its widget strategy and platform. Included in this is a distribution (in beta) through Vodafone's portal to its international audience. Vodafone are also planning a S60 homescreen, which will be standard on its S60 devices, that incorporates this widget technology. As such this is potentially a very interesting avenue for developers to deploy widget applications through; notably it by-passes the long-winded processes that are usually need for distribution through operators.
Competition
Here's the basic description of the competition from Vodafone:
"Each week during the competition, three netbooks (Samsung NC20) bundled each with a Nokia N96 handset, will be awarded to the three best new widgets entered into the Competition (on Betavine) and uploaded to the Vodafone widgets developer platform.
Running from 6th July to the 30th August, the Summer of Widgets competition will offer three prizes every week to the developers who have submitted the best widgets based on easy of use, creativity and value to the potential user."
Widgets will be judged in three broad areas: ease of use (how easy it for a non technical user to use this widget), creativity (demonstrating new uses for widgets) and value to the potential user (how does it make users life easier).
I'll be sitting on the judging panel and am looking forward to seeing what widgets are submitted. I will also likely be highlighting some of the entries I find interesting here on AAS, regardless of whether they win or not, over the next two months.
You can view some of the current entries for the Summer of Widget entries here.
More information on the competition, including the terms and conditions, is available here.