Howard Expands Windows Media Player Challenge to National Competitors

WASHINGTON
Howard University, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and Microsoft Corp. have partnered to launch the fourth annual Howard University Windows Media Player Skins Challenge, a college-level competition to create original user interfaces for the Windows Media Player. This year, the competition has opened up for the first time to students attending universities and colleges with a NSBE chapter.

"The Skins Challenge is a tremendous opportunity for enterprising students to demonstrate their creativity in developing culturally enlightened state-of-the-art digital media products for a worldwide audience," says Dr. Todd Shurn, an associate professor of systems and computer science at Howard University and the executive producer of the 2005 Skins Challenge.

Windows Media skins include graphic art and technology that customize the appearance and features of the Microsoft Windows Media Player. Graphic arts students can be expected to express themselves with colors, themes and striking 2-D and 3-D images. Engineering students can use their programming skills to produce exciting functionality and new interactivity modes. Skins offer users a personal interface for interacting with digital media such as CDs, DVDs, MP3s and streaming audio and video, according to competition organizers.

Students do not have to be NSBE members to enter the competition, and they may major in any subject. The five best skins will be selected and announced March 25, during the 31st annual NSBE National Convention in Boston. Those five skins will compete for the overall championship, with the winner to be announced at an awards ceremony in April.