56 replies to this topic

[PaulOBrien]

[teaser]

I am very pleased to announce that MoDaCo, in association with M:Metrics, will be giving away THREE unique MoDaCo branded Zunes to 3 lucky Smart M:Panel participants from our UK and USA membership!

COMPETITION NOW EXTENDED BY 1 MONTH DUE TO EMAIL ISSUES!

Chances are you've heard about Zune... Microsoft's attempt to dethrone the Apple iPod as king of the Portable Media Devices. Featuring a gorgeous 3" screen, a choice of 3 colours (Black / Brown / White) and a very un-iPod like durable finish, the Zune is a hot gadget at the moment, particularly in Europe where release isn't planned until late 2007!

Cool though a Zune is as a prize, we like to go 1 better at MoDaCo... so we are currently arranging to get our prize Zunes laser-engraved with the MoDaCo logo courtesy of adafruit... they're going to be serious collectors items, that's for sure!

What many people don't realise is that behind that slick menu system beats a heart of Windows Mobile... so the Zune is more closely related to your mobile (and MoDaCo) than you might think!

So how do I take part?

In order to take part in the competition, you need to complete the following requirements...

- Live in the UK or USA
- Use a Windows Mobile / Symbian or Palm device
- Install the M:Panel software on your device by 25th January 2007 (SIGNUP PAGE)
- Ensure the software stays on your device until 25th February 2007

At the second date we will collate all active panelists, and choose the winners The first place winner will receive the Zune colour of their choice, the second place winner their choice of the remaining two, and the third place winner will get what they're given

Not only does completing the above ensure you entry into the competition, but as a panelist you will be entitled to CASH! When you install the Smart M:Panel software to your device, and after the application has made it's first upload of data, M:Metrics send you a cheque for £15 (UK) or $15 (USA)! But it doesn't stop there... as long as you keep the application installed, you will earn £5 (UK) or $5 (USA) per month, paid by cheque every 6 months.[/teaser]

So what is Smart M:Panel?

Smart M:Panel is an influential new research panel created by M:Metrics to measure Windows Mobile Smartphone / Symbian smartphone / Pocket PC / Palm feature usage. Being a panelist is easy and safe! Research software, completely transparent to the end user, automatically measures mobile phone activity, eliminating the need to fill out detailed surveys each month.

By agreeing to have your activity measured, you'll be inputting valuable data into the development of future products and services. The next device you buy may have been designed in a particular way due to the company knowing how YOU use your device... now that's cool.

So the data is sent back over GPRS? Won't that cost me money?

Both MoDaCo and M:Metrics have had this flagged as a major concern from the outset, and so incredible work has been carried out to ensure data volumes are as low as possible. As a result, experience to date shows that an 'average' user will only upload around 35k per MONTH, and even a 'heavy' device user will likely only upload around 50k per month... a tiny amount! The metering application also sends 1 SMS when it is first installed, to tell our servers that it is up and running

What exactly is recorded by the application? Will it affect my normal phone usage?

The Smart M:Panel software records usage of various mobile phone features - email, web browsing, games, etc. - and securely returns the data to M:Metrics without interfering with the normal use of your phone. The application has no user interface... it's truly 'install and forget'!

I have a couple of other questions... is there any more information available on line?

There is! You can check out the M:Metrics hosted FAQ by visiting this page and clicking 'Frequently Asked Questions'. You can also reply to this topic, and we'll do our best to answer your questions You will also find the privacy policy online there.

OK, i've read enough... let's do it!

GREAT! To get started, simply visit the SIGNUP PAGE, and click, well, 'get started' You will receive a text message containing a download link for the metering application, click it, and you're away... (there is also an option to install via your PC, should you wish to save on GPRS costs).

FINALLY, if you decide at any time you no longer wish to participate in the panel, simply uninstall the application from the 'Remove Programs' menu.

Good luck in the competition!

P

PS Know somebody who uses a Symbian or Palm device? Yes, let them know too... as this offer is open to Windows Mobile, Symbian AND Palm users!

[Ayle]

Does it work if I'm already a member of m:panel? Will I still be entered in the sweepstake?

[PaulOBrien]

Yes, so long as you are installed between the specified dates!

P

[tsutton]

>>You will receive a text message containing a download link for the metering application<<

Any costs of receiving it?

[Confucious]

Just went to sign up with my new phone and selected make of phone, clicked next and got a 404 error...

[emyllis]

Now i've installed it;
how do I know it's worked?
I just get a screen saying status, cersion, last contact = NO TEXT!

Is it working???

[Wlodek]

Sorry Paul, but is this not just the sort of thing that we normally try and stop on all our computers?

To call a spade a spade, this is called spyware and while I am not paranoid about it, there is rather a lot of people who are.

Many of us even buy special software to detect it and treat it as a threat to our personal freedoms. And now we are supposed to put it on our very personal devices voluntarily solely for an elusive and highly unlikely reward of a new gadget.

Personally I find it very amusing, how greed so easily cures paranoia. Maybe the psychiatrists should re-think their methods?



Best wishes from sunny Lake District

Wlodek

[PaulOBrien]

tsutton, on Dec 16 2006, 08:06, said:

>>You will receive a text message containing a download link for the metering application<<

Any costs of receiving it?

No...

P

[PaulOBrien]

emyllis, on Dec 16 2006, 11:13, said:

Now i've installed it;
how do I know it's worked?
I just get a screen saying status, cersion, last contact = NO TEXT!

Is it working???

It doesn't complete it's first upload immediately, so give it a few days

P

[PaulOBrien]

Wlodek, on Dec 16 2006, 11:17, said:

Sorry Paul, but is this not just the sort of thing that we normally try and stop on all our computers?

To call a spade a spade, this is called spyware and while I am not paranoid about it, there is rather a lot of people who are.

Many of us even buy special software to detect it and treat it as a threat to our personal freedoms. And now we are supposed to put it on our very personal devices voluntarily solely for an elusive and highly unlikely reward of a new gadget.

Personally I find it very amusing, how greed so easily cures paranoia. Maybe the psychiatrists should re-think their methods?
Best wishes from sunny Lake District

Wlodek

As Wikipedia correctly states - "Spyware is computer software that collects personal information about users without their informed consent." - this is absolutely NOT spyware. You install it at your own choice, and can remove it simply using the 'Remove Applications' function.

The FAQ on the M:Metrics site talks about the collected data IIRC, and if you have any questions you can contact support at any time and they'd be happy to answer.

You are entering a draw for a cool gadget, but also earning yourself 15 straight away and 5 quid a month thereafter.

Personally I find it very amusing when we post these offers how the odd person responds in this way, with their paranoia leading them to interpret participation as greed, and confuse their spades.

P

[Confucious]

And the not so elusive reward of money!
It is your choice - it's all above board and you know what you're doing if you put it on - it's not hidden away and you have the choice -greed - maybe, but it's your choice. No one is forcing you to do it.
Just my 2d's worth

[Shuflie]

I find it funny that there will probably be many more people sign up to the panel for the (probably quite small) chance to get their hands on a zune than there were for the guarantee of free money. Are the usual two for one Plus rules in effect for this competiton, it doesn't get mentioned.

[PaulOBrien]

Apologies, yes they are.

P

[genaldar]

A zune would be cool, but I signed up (months ago) for the free cash.  Which reminds me, just when I was wondering where my check was I got an email saying they would be processing it this month.  Spiffy.

As to the "spying" nature of this I don't mind.  It doesn't collect personal info, just useage.  Besides even if it knew I called my work damn near everyday for 30 seconds (to say I'll be late, natch) I still wouldn't care.  I'm not important or interesting enough to be spied on .

I do have a quick question though, was there a field when we signed up so they know we heard about it here?  Or was it in the original link?  Because I can't remember if I followed that or if I went later.  Basically I want to know if there is some way to verify that we are in the running.

Edited by genaldar, 16 December 2006 - 04:15 PM.

[kurtfhouse]

Would love to signup but they still don't support the MDA Compact III, O2 XDA Orbit etc... Thought they might have added it by now, will continue to wait though with crossed fingers!

[pd.ryder]

Hi Guys,
I've been tempted by the offer of spontaneous cash (!) and filled in their form, received the txt and tried to install the cab file. I'm getting "unable to install to selected location..." no matter whether I choose Storage Card or Phone (plenty room on both). I've emailed their Support peeps, but has anyone any suggestions??

[PaulOBrien]

kurtfhouse, on Dec 16 2006, 16:15, said:

Would love to signup but they still don't support the MDA Compact III, O2 XDA Orbit etc... Thought they might have added it by now, will continue to wait though with crossed fingers!

I'll raise this with them, and get it added!

P

[PaulOBrien]

pd.ryder, on Dec 16 2006, 16:17, said:

Hi Guys,
I've been tempted by the offer of spontaneous cash (!) and filled in their form, received the txt and tried to install the cab file. I'm getting "unable to install to selected location..." no matter whether I choose Storage Card or Phone (plenty room on both). I've emailed their Support peeps, but has anyone any suggestions??

Odd

I won't state the obvious by saying 'have you tried a soft-reset'

P

[pd.ryder]

Paul (MVP), on Dec 16 2006, 16:51, said:

Odd

I won't state the obvious by saying 'have you tried a soft-reset'

P

You won't, but you did... Doh!!  And *yes* I did try...

[kurtfhouse]

Paul (MVP), on Dec 16 2006, 16:50, said:

I'll raise this with them, and get it added!

P

Cheers Paul