Nokia is challenging mobile app developers to help increase productivity in the developing world, with a $1 million Nokia cash prize up for grabs.
Specifically, the winning app will help residents in developing nations who live on just a few dollars per day. It's not uncommon to see multiple families in local villages share a single mobile phone, since they are unable to pay for a phone and service.
"In the real world, far away from there, these little devices have already done more to improve lives at the base of society's pyramid than perhaps any other technology in history," said Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, Nokia CEO, during the Nokia keynote.
Despite its struggles, Nokia remains the No. 1 global mobile phone manufacturer, and understands the emerging markets in many parts of South America, Africa, and some Asian countries may be worth millions.
Nations such as China and India are still considered "emerging markets" -- major cash cows for tech companies -- but many would argue both countries have already emerged in the global marketplace.
The European phone manufacturer also plans to use mobile banking as a major lure to attract consumers in emerging markets -- there are 1.6 billion registered bank accounts, but 4.6 billion mobile service subscriptions across the world. Nokia also plans to use integrated e-mail features to entice potential customers, as 3 out of 4 people in the world don't have regular access to e-mail.
