In March, First Lady Michelle Obama's "Lets Move" initiative for childhood health and fitness launched a contest called "Apps for Healthy Kids," offering $60,000 in prizes for software that encourages children to choose healthier foods and more active lifestyles. Today, the US Department of Agriculture has announced 95 finalists in the contest, which the public can test, and then vote on.
The applications are not limited to any single platform, and range from standalone Windows applications, to iPhone apps, to games within Linden Labs' Second Life. The styles, likewise, differ greatly from app to app. There are tools to aid in meal planning, games to teach about the food pyramid or caloric intake, and applications for building exercise routines.
Public voting opens today and continues until August 14, and the top picks will be reviewed by a panel of judges which includes U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra, President and CEO of the ESA, Mike Gallagher, and Co-founder of Apple, Steve Wozniak. The grand prize winners in two categories --tools and games-- will each win $10,000. The most popular runners up will be awarded a $4,500 prize at the White House in September.
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