Windows Phone App Star is a Microsoft sponsored tournament-style challenge that will award 100s of prizes and give one developer the chance to see their app featured in a primetime TV commercial.

It’s Microsoft’s way of showcasing great Windows Phone apps from developers around the world. Whether you already have an app or want to create a new one for Windows Phone 8, this challenge will let consumers try yours and others, then vote for their favorites. It’s a fun, head-to-head, bracket-style competition that starts by rating all the entries and selecting the top 64. Then, these 64 are whittled down over several weeks of consumer voting. Think your app has what it takes?

How it works:

1. Register by March 5, 2013
   Developers register and ensure apps are live in at least one market before deadline.
   Note: If you are not a Windows Phone Dev Center member, you can get a free Dev Center membership as part of the Nokia Premium Developer Program.
2. Determining the top 64
   Apps get rated (50% rating/50% quality) to determine the top 64. All 64 winners receive a Lumia 920, app merchandising, and one year of Dev Center.
3. The Next App Star Grand Champion
   Top 64 apps compete in a head-to-head tournament. Public voting determines who moves forward each round.

The grand prize will be announced on April 9 and the commercial to air Spring/Summer 2013 See rules for complete contest terms and conditions, and register now at dev.windowsphone.com/en-US/featured/next-app-star