One of my feeds recently popped up a post on a competition run by the Microsoft embedded group to develop a Windows CE device with a project that encompasses their theme of “Fun and Games.”

The format of the comp is:

• Round 1 - Write a three page proposal for your project idea.

• Round 2 - With the hardware you won for getting through Round 1, build out the proof of concept in around 8 weeks and submit a video of the working prototype and your design documentation.

• Round 3 - Once it’s sunk in that you’re going to present in a keynote at a conference in Silicon Valley and the happy dancing has ceased; start to prepare your notes (with associated freaking out, of course!) At this stage you’re also looking at a pocket-full of cash and the respect and adulation of adoring fans! (okay, the pocket-full of cash at least…)

I already had an idea that had been simmering for a while, that fitted the theme really well and this seemed like the opportunity to see if anyone else thought it a worthwhile pursuit.

Well, someone liked it and I’m through to Round 2. The dev kit that’s core to the project is on it’s way from the US of A at this very moment.

I decided to get a bit of a jump start and have spent the last week or so madly building out the micro-controller and sensor parts. Things are actually going way better than expected and and I will blog about some of the adventures with Arduino, XBee and other assortments, shortly.

I can’t wait to start tying all the disparate pieces together. (Nor can my wife, who commented this morning on the “bomb” of electronics components and scribbled notes that had gone off in the study.)