Thursday, April 18, 2013

Leap Software Developer Program

The 3D motion control company Leap motion has launched its Software Developer Program today and has sent out a letter to developers informing them that they can sign up. The letter also indicates that Leap is now sending out test units to developers who have requested access to the program.
The Leap Software Developer Program is the perfect way for the company to build a stable of apps that use it before it launches to consumers. “The potential is here to bring this revolution into people’s everyday lives,” says Leap in the letter. “We believe this potential can best be reached by working with developers as passionate about the Leap as we are.”

The program includes a Developer Portal and admittance is free. In addition to access to the portal, developers will get:
  • a download of the Leap SDK
  • access to the Leap API and documentation
  • a collaborative question and answer forum
  • tools to help drive future development
“In addition,” says Leap, “our Developer Relations team will focus on supporting the Leap developer community, working to continually expand our sample code, libraries, forums, support channels and documentation.”
The developers will not all get test devices right away, says Leap:
A limited number of early members will also receive a fully functional developer beta Leap device. With over 40,000 submissions, we won’t have enough units to offer everyone. But every applicant will be offered full membership in the program over the next few months.
Criteria for receiving early developer units include the clarity of the idea submitted and a track record of developing software. We also want to ensure development for a range of options across games, productivity, education, design and more to be featured in our dedicated Leap app store alongside the customer launch early next year. While we’re excited about all the future uses for Leap, we want to make sure that customers have a great selection of life-changing apps for their new Leap device.
The notifications to developers will continue to be sent out and more will be admitted to the program over the next few months. Leap says that everyone who wants in will eventually be admitted.
Back in July, Leap Motion scored ex-Apple exec and General Partner at Highland Capital (a Leap investor) Andy Miller as its COO. The Leap Motion device can be pre-ordered on its site and developers can apply here.

http://thenextweb.com/apple/2012/10/29/leap-motion-launches-software-developer-program-and-starts-sending-test-units-of-its-3d-controller/