Scripps National Spelling Bee fans have a new way to get involved in the action for the 2015 competition.
The Buzzworthy app lets fans engage in friendly competition with family members, friends and co-workers as they follow along with the Spelling Bee.
Web and app developer Jordan Crone and a team of four others developed the app over six weeks for Apple, Android and Windows phones.
“We wanted the app to be as intuitive as possible. It was ultimately about the spellers and making it easy for fans to follow along with the Bee,” he said.
In the Buzzworthy app, fans of the Spelling Bee can earn points based on the performance of a randomly selected team of spellers — similar to a fantasy sports team.
“Competition brings out the best in everyone,” Crone said. “We wanted to enhance the bee experience.”
The free app assigns five random spellers to each user. The user earns points several ways, including when one of the selected spellers correctly spells a word.
See how the Buzzworthy app works in this video by 2010 Bee champion Anamika Veeramani:
“From Bee-watching parties to school assemblies to office water coolers, the nation buzzes with excitement each year for the champion spellers,” said Paige Kimble, executive director of the Scripps National Spelling Bee in a statement. “The Buzzworthy app creates even greater buzz by connecting fans to these spelling stars.”
The app allows fans to connect with others to create “Hives” of spellers that increase the chances to score points. Users also can follow specific spellers.
Buzzworthy is the official app of the Scripps National Spelling Bee and is designed for iOS, Android and Windows mobile devices. The app was created by The E.W. Scripps Company.
App users can keep up with the Spelling Bee through live alerts, fun facts and photos of all 285 contestants. The app also helps users keep tabs on social media buzz around the competition.
