Vodafone's widget platform is based on the Opera Widget platform. This is a cross-platform, cross-device widget platform. Opera Widgets will run on a PC, mobile devices and even TVs and are made with the usual web technologies: HTML, CSS and Javascript. The platform uses the Opera Widget Runtime which is based on the Opera web browser.
Here's what Betavine has to say about the competition:
"Mobile widgets are mini applications that sit on a handset and can be personalised to retrieve relevant information from the web. They provide ‘always on’ services based on the information users want to receive, and are a new touch point for how consumers use the mobile internet.
Widgets are based on web code rather than on specialist programming language, which makes it possible for both professional and amateur developers to tap into their potential. The Betavine Widget Competition, which officially opens on 2 February, is designed to encourage developers to unleash their creativity and experiment with the technology, competing with their peers for a first prize of £20,000.
In addition to the cash prize, the winner will receive a commitment from Vodafone to promote the widget to users in one of Vodafone’s major markets. Two runners up will also receive a £1,000 cash prize.
All developers submitting widgets will also have an opportunity to make their entries available through the Vodafone Widget Manager Beta application, which is currently being rolled out across a range of 10 popular S60 handsets in Germany, Italy, South Africa, Spain and the UK."
The judging criteria for the competition include usability (how easy is the widget to use), innovation (how creative is it) and value (what does it enable). The judging panel is made up of a jury of Vodafone and mobile industry experts. Vodafone have also opted, very sensibly, to allow developers to retain the IPR of their software. The competition is now open for entries and closes on April 30th.
You can enter the competition through the Betavine website.