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Imagine Cup '08 Heads to Los Angeles
4/17/2008
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This year, according to Microsoft, some 185,000 students from around the world signed up to compete in the event, which includes cash prizes and other rewards for participation. Enrollment by U.S. students in the 2008 event quadrupled last year's participation of 4,000. The U.S. finals will take place April 20 to 22 at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles.
The theme for this year's competition is using technology to help sustain the environment. There are nine categories in the global event in which students are asked to demonstrate their technology skills:
- Software design, in which students create real-world applications built on the .NET framework and on the Microsoft Windows platform;
- Embedded development, for building hardware and software solutions using Windows CE, along with supplied hardware;
- Game development, focusing on Xbox 360 using XNA Game Studio Express;
- Algorithm, a challenge in which participants solve algorithmic puzzles and brain teasers;
- Project Hoshimi, in which participants use "coding skills and algorithmic ability to devise and implement strategy for a multi-player head-to-head game";
- IT Challenge, in which students "develop, deploy, and maintain IT systems" and demonstrate networking, database, and other IT-related skills;
- Photography, a photo essay contest;
- Short film; and
- Interface design, focusing either on Web or desktop applications.
In addition to the competitions in those categories, there are also individual awards, including accessibility and interoperability, as well as a special award in software design for making the best use of Windows Live.
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