Globe Labs, the innovation arm of Globe Telecom, recently launched its Globe Labs Challenge 2008 to foster its young developer community in Globe Labs and to release its new API (Application Programming Interface) for SMS and MMS.
Globe Labs Challenge – Register until Aug. 21, 2008 (Thursday)
Upon signing up to be part of the Globe Labs developer community (individual or institution), you can then form a team (1-3 pax) and submit a proposal for an application that mashes up with Globe Telecom’s technologies. There’s a prize of P300,000 for the winning team for each category — so go now and choose from the 6 categories:
- Location Based and Location Dependent Services
- Media Sharing/Storage
- Graphical User Interface to Services
- Server-based Enhanced SMS/MMS Applications (via Globe SMS/MMS API)
- Mobile Social Networking
- Shopping on the Phone
Important Dates – Globe Labs Challenge 2008
Aug. 21Sept. 4 Last day to register for the ChallengeSept. 18Sept. 18 Last day to submit ProposalOct. 28Nov. 11 Last day to submit your App- Nov. 12 Announcement of Finalists
- Nov. 21 Awarding Ceremonies
Globe SMS/MMS API
The SMS/MMS API allows 3rd party developers (for now, limited to Globe Labs Challenge participants) who speak Java, PHP, Perl, C/C++/C#, ASP and .NET to send and receive SMS and MMS to Globe phones via SOAP/XML. (Personally, why not REST?) So now you can enable your web applications for Globe subscribers – Globe API for non-commercial use. Despite the cap of 200 SMS/MMS per day per developer/application, this at least lowers the high cost of renting an access code.
Meetup with Globe Labs Team and PHP User Group
On August 16, 2008 at Dome, Podium, Ortigas Center, the Globe Labs Team presented a more in-depth look at the new Globe SMS/MMS API and answered questions from the PHP User Group about the upcoming Globe Labs Challenge. Blue de Venecia, iCenter Evangelist of Globe Labs and Globe Labs Team members Greg Igaya, and Sherwin Sowy. Sherwin presented the Challenge mechanics and Greg demonstrated two simple apps that used Globe’s API (one connected to Yahoo!’s spelling API and the second sent MMS to Flickr’s photostream). 
Watch Out Chikka, Information Gateway
As with the release of any API, Globe has taken a big leap in opening up mobile application development – previously limited to the likes of giants Chikka and Information Gateway. If even freelance developers can mashup to Globe’s API to release mobile-and-web integrated services straight from the grassroots (the actual people who use it), we can expect many more rich and useful apps. Useful apps, especially those that win the Challenge could be built to scale — I just hope it would be cheaper than the usual P2.50/text. Smart, Sun Cellular should seriously rethink their innovation strategies. This API certainly lowers the barriers to entry previously enjoyed by mobile app providers Chikka and Information Gateway.
Credit: Photos via Ann Michelle Santos of PHPUGPH
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Comments
katexter
August 18, 2008 5:35 pm
You don’t need Globe’s API to do web and mobile mashups. Plus, theirs is unsurprisingly limited to Globe services.
If you check out katext.com, you’ll see that we offer free SMS to Philippine networks. Plus social network related notifications directly to members’ mobile phones.
AJ
August 18, 2008 9:50 pm
Slight correction on the PHPUGPH link (http://www.phpugph.com).
http://www.philippinesnewsvote.com
August 19, 2008 4:17 am
Globe Labs Reshaping the Mobile App Market…
Globe Labs, the innovation arm of Globe Telecom, recently launched its Globe Labs Challenge 2008 to foster its young developer community in Globe Labs and to release its new API (Application Programming Interface) for SMS and MMS in the Philippines….
dagger
August 19, 2008 12:51 pm
Sure katexter, but if you want to get revenue share from Globe, you can’t use katext.com. Will you pay me if I develop something using your API and someone uses your services?
katexter
August 20, 2008 7:43 pm
dagger, if revenue sharing what you’re after, then Globe’s API is the way to go. However, my only comment is directed to the subject of SMS via web, and social networking.
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August 26, 2008 1:31 pm
[...] Google Gears implementation by i.ph blogs (Randy NivalesBrian Feliciano), another rendition of the SMS/MMS API of Globe Labs (Greg Igaya), using GIT for version control (JM Ibanez), and Syndeo Labs (Luis Buenaventura), and [...]
Melvin Dave Vivas
August 31, 2008 1:26 pm
Yeah this is a good thing for developers. Imagine you can build SMS applications very easily. I was able to build a SMS to Google Calendar app and it just took me 2 nights. This was for the Java integration demo I did during the Globe Innovation Convention.
However, just to set everybody’s expectations, the Globe API is just useful for the Globe Challenge participants. Last time I talked to the Globe Labs guys, they’re not ready for commercialization yet but it’s definitely in their roadmap.
nightfox
September 11, 2008 9:21 pm
Sept18’s the last day for the submission of proposal right?
Marie Casas
September 12, 2008 12:07 am
^right! Thanks for the reminder.
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November 12, 2009 5:04 pm
[...] I’m a tad surprised because I always thought the Globe Labs Challenge was primarily mobile applications with some optional web component — but Gloo appears to be [...]
TheRohan
May 21, 2010 8:10 pm
Hey Guys,
Look what I found out in one of the categories of the Nokia Calling all Innovators Contest. It is looking for applications that positively affect the daily lives of people living in developing countries, and may include education, agriculture, health and more. Deadline for submission is 10th June 2010.
By submissions one can win:
• Grand Prize: 30,000 USD in cash.
• 2nd Prize: 15,000 USD in cash.
• 3rd Prize: 5,000 USD in cash.
Check out the details on http://www.callingallinnovators.com/life_improvement.aspx
Hurry!!
TheRohan
May 28, 2010 7:52 pm
Hey Fellow Developers
Here’s our chance to submit apps that are all about FUN! This includes music, multimedia, and of course games!
They’re basically looking for applications that truly show off all the cool features and functionality available on today’s Nokia devices. This could be apps designed to run on any of Nokia’s platforms – the choice is ours – including Series 40, S60 and Maemo. Equally, it is up to us what technologies we use to create our app, but let’s be clear: be ready to impress them. Great huh?
What can we win:
The top three submissions will receive the following cash prizes:
• Grand Prize: 30,000 USD in cash.
• 2nd Prize: 15,000 USD in cash.
• 3rd Prize: 5,000 USD in cash.
To submit click here http://bit.ly/aR6Vfo
Hurry guys, Deadline for submissions: 10 June 2010!!
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