The Xperia developer contest may not as big as the Android developer contest but it would suit the Sony Ericsson fans who are raring to get their hands on what the Xperia interface panel which runs on top Windows Mobile 6.1 has to offer in terms of application capability and functionality.

The source of the news reported that the official contest is set to run sometime in November. And how do we know if there’s some kind of validity into this rumor? The source said his company is developing the site competition right now. Now, that sounds convincing enough.

Anyway, if you’re seriously looking into developing application for the Xperia X1, this contest might get you started. Stay tune for more information coming up soon.

via WMExperts

The panel interface is one of the highlighted features of the new Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 and as we previously reported, Sony released the SDK for the panels which allows developers to rush in and create a host of optional panels to fill one of the nine panel slots on the cell phone.

One such developer, Spb Software House have done just that and have already used the Xperia SDK to bring their Mobile Shell 2.0 to the Xperia X1, a popular shell on other devices.

Spb’s Mobile Shell basically is a skin for Windows Mobile that gives a smooth graphical interface, making it even more touch friendly and offers weather info and dial by photo features. Spb will be offering their panel free of charge (the shell usually costs $29.95) and the panel should be included with Xperia X1 phones in the future.

Below are video clips of the Mobile Shell in action which are impressive. Hopefully, this will be the start of a flow of quality panels being made for the X1 as the cellphone becomes more available over the coming months.