Apple's App Store isn't the only mobile shop in town.

Every handset manufacturer and operator is experimenting with its own service, and Samsung is putting its cash to good use with the launch of its inaugural Samsung Application Store Developer Challenge 2009.

It's looking for innovative developers to submit a game or application that - as it says - "bucks the trend and delivers a unique experience".

You can submit content within the following categories: games, entertainment, health/life, eBook, productivity, reference, social networking, and utilities.

There will be 34 individual cash prizes ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, plus two grand prizes of $100,000

These are split equally between English language and Italian language apps: 18 prizes each.

Submissions are open now and close on Thursday 10th December.

As for the small print, the target handheld device is Samsung Omnia II (GT-I8000) running Window Mobile (native apps only), and the app must support either English or Italian.

Anyone who is registered to sell paid applications at Samsung Application Store Seller Office can enter.

Full details can be found on the official website.