The “Smoked by Windows Phone” challenge is living on. Originally set to end on March 29, Microsoft announced the contest will extend until Thursday, April 5, though with a few tweaks. The contest’s “upped stakes” will offer the first 100 people who get “smoked” by a Windows Phone to receive a free device running Microsoft’s OS. After that, the next 500 people will be offered a $25 gift card should they lose, and they won’t be asked to exchange their handset in return, either. The six challenge scenarios remain unchanged, however:

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1. Pocket-to-Picture Post
2. Real-Time Information
3. Stay in Touch with the People You Care About Most
4. Update Your Status Across Multiple Social Networks
5. Get Directions to a Local Restaurant
6. Pick What’s for Dinner

While the contest has seen its fair share of controversy — such as designing tests to help Windows Phone win — Microsoft seems pretty confident its OS can stand toe-to-toe with most the biggest names out there. We’re certainly huge fans of the OS, and can’t wait to see what Microsoft has in store down the road.

[techmeme]