From now until March 31st, Microsoft is giving away one Zune every day in a new contest. To enter, you need to log into your Hotmail email account using your web-enabled phone and send Microsoft an email from your phone. If you don’t have a Hotmail account, it forces you to create one, and also makes you send an email from your phone. It might be worth doing if you want to enter to win a free Zune!
From a previous posting, you know that I was selected to participate in a Microsoft Usability Study. This morning, I visited the Microsoft Campus in Redmond, WA and took part in the 2 hour study. Here’s what happened:
I met the “Researcher” who took me in a small room that was outfitted with various cameras and a 1-way mirrored wall (where I assumed the tester would be sitting and observing). I was then asked to do a series of tasks testing a particular software package. The tester would ask me to do certain things, and question why I did something one way, and if I was confused or had questions on the interface layout, etc. It was actually pretty interesting how they do this, and I’m glad to see that Microsoft seeks outside testers to make their products better. Apparently, they do this on a routine basis and have people in for testing quite frequently.
After the testing, they provided me with a gratuity certificate to obtain a free Microsoft product from their Usability Center. They had several software products such as Vista, Office Pro 2007, etc. as well as hardware products such as a Microsoft Notebook mouse, headphones, Zune Dock, etc. (no Zunes, however). The product that I really wanted was Visual Studio Pro 2008, but unfortunately that wasn’t on the available list to choose from. So, I opted for Office Pro 2007.
So if you live in the Redmond, WA area, I suggest you go online and sign up for the Usability Testing Program. Definitely worth 2 hours of your time for some free software!
I think by now, everyone knows that Microsoft’s headquarters is in Redmond, Washington. But did you know that if you live in the Redmond area, you can get free stuff from Microsoft? I learned about it from a friend over lunch the other day, who mentioned the Microsoft Usability Study Program. He said all I needed to do was visit the Microsoft web site and signup as a potential participant. Microsoft routinely selects people from various demographics to help get feedback on software, applications, and hardware. I was told it usually takes from 1-2 hours on the Microsoft campus, where they have an assigned Microsoft person ask you a series of questions regarding a product or hardware. When you’re finished, they compensate you for your time by giving you a coupon good for an item sold at the Microsoft company store. Software such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office 2007, and full Software Development kits are available, along with hardware such as mice and keyboards. I’m not sure if Zunes are included as available items, but you never know since MS-Project goes for $500 and some of the Software Development kits go for $1200.
