Leap Motion launches Software Developer Program and starts sending test units of its 3D controller

The 3D motion control company Leap motion has launched its Software Developer Program today and has sent out a letter to developers informing them that they can sign up. The letter also indicates that Leap is now sending out test units to developers who have requested access to the program.

The Leap Software Developer Program is the perfect way for the company to build a stable of apps that use it before it launches to consumers. “The potential is here to bring this revolution into people’s everyday lives,” says Leap in the letter. “We believe this potential can best be reached by working with developers as passionate about the Leap as we are.”

The program includes a Developer Portal and admittance is free. In addition to access to the portal, developers will get:

• a download of the Leap SDK
• access to the Leap API and documentation
• a collaborative question and answer forum
• tools to help drive future development

“In addition,” says Leap, “our Developer Relations team will focus on supporting the Leap developer community, working to continually expand our sample code, libraries, forums, support channels and documentation.”

The developers will not all get test devices right away, says Leap:

A limited number of early members will also receive a fully functional developer beta Leap device. With over 40,000 submissions, we won’t have enough units to offer everyone. But every applicant will be offered full membership in the program over the next few months.

Criteria for receiving early developer units include the clarity of the idea submitted and a track record of developing software. We also want to ensure development for a range of options across games, productivity, education, design and more to be featured in our dedicated Leap app store alongside the customer launch early next year. While we’re excited about all the future uses for Leap, we want to make sure that customers have a great selection of life-changing apps for their new Leap device.

The notifications to developers will continue to be sent out and more will be admitted to the program over the next few months. Leap says that everyone who wants in will eventually be admitted.

Back in July, Leap Motion scored ex-Apple exec and General Partner at Highland Capital (a Leap investor) Andy Miller as its COO. The Leap Motion device can be pre-ordered on its site and developers can apply here.

Here’s the letter in full:

Hello, and welcome to the latest Leap software developer newsletter. You are receiving this email because you have submitted an idea for creating a Leap application.

Announcing the Leap Software Developer Program
It was only a few months ago that we revealed what we’re working toward – a device that offers an entirely new way to interact with computers. With the Leap, you can control a computer in three dimensions with your natural hand and finger movements. Since that announcement we’ve been excited to see how much interest the Leap is generating for customers and developers alike.

The potential is here to bring this revolution into people’s everyday lives. We believe this potential can best be reached by working with developers as passionate about the Leap as we are.

That’s why we’re establishing the Leap Software Developer Program. It’s our commitment to partnering with you to make life-changing apps unlike anything seen before.

Benefits of the Leap Software Developer Program
Leap Motion will supply you with the tools you’ll need to start building and selling your Leap apps, but we’re not stopping there. We want to bring together a community of developers and a support structure to help you along the way.

Core to this program is the Developer Portal we’re creating. This new website will be a central hub for Leap app developers, both an indispensable resource and a place for developers to connect with each other – an inclusive community. Admittance to the Leap Software Developer Program is free, and will offer:
a download of the Leap SDK
access to the Leap API and documentation
a collaborative question and answer forum
tools to help drive future development
In addition, our Developer Relations team will focus on supporting the Leap developer community, working to continually expand our sample code, libraries, forums, support channels and documentation.

We believe this is a good start to building a strong community of Leap app developers. With your help, we’ll continue to grow and improve the Leap Software Developer Program over time.

Early admittance and developer test units
It all starts this month with early admittance to the program. Through early admittance, selected developers can begin using the Developer Portal, view documentation, and download the SDK. A limited number of early members will also receive a fully functional developer beta Leap device. With over 40,000 submissions, we won’t have enough units to offer everyone. But every applicant will be offered full membership in the program over the next few months.

Criteria for receiving early developer units include the clarity of the idea submitted and a track record of developing software. We also want to ensure development for a range of options across games, productivity, education, design and more to be featured in our dedicated Leap app store alongside the customer launch early next year. While we’re excited about all the future uses for Leap, we want to make sure that customers have a great selection of life-changing apps for their new Leap device.

Acceptance notifications will be sent out in the coming weeks and more developers will be accepted into the Leap Software Developer Program in the coming months. If your information has changed, please be sure to log in to your Leap developer account and update your profile. Ultimately, we will accept all interested developers over time and look forward to growing the Leap app developer community.