Google has set up a developer challenge with USD 10 million worth of prize money. Android developers submitting their applications between January 2 and March 3, 2008 can have a shot at one of the 70 prizes. In the first round the 50 best are awarded $25,000 for further development of their application. Those selected will then be eligible for even greater recognition via ten $275,000 awards and ten $100,000 awards.

Google is especially looking for innovative, useful apps that make use of Android's capabilities to deliver a better mobile experience. Some suggestions:

• Social networking
• Media consumption, management, editing, or sharing, e.g., photos
• Productivity and collaboration such as email, IM, calendar, etc.
• Gaming
• News and information
• Rethinking of traditional user interfaces
• Use of mash-up functionality
• Use of location-based services
• Humanitarian benefits
• Applications in service of global economic development
• Whatever you're excited about!

More information about the contest can be found at Google.