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GET HANDS-FREE FOR FREE! Join and/or comment on the online Marketnews.ca community between October 27, 2009 and February 1, 2010 and you'll be entered into weekly random draws for BlackBerry-branded Bluetooth headsets and speakerphones!
Legislation already exists in several provinces that bans the use of handheld cell phones while driving, and Ontario has just joined the growing list. As of October 26, drivers nabbed for talking (or texting!) while on the road in that province will be issued a stern warning. On February 1, 2010, chatty drivers will be issued a ticket for the offense. Using a hands-free system isn't just safe; it's also mandatory to avoid hefty fines. To help you jump on board with joining the hands-free conversation, Marketnews, in partnership with Hitfar Concepts and BlackBerry, would like you to join OUR conversation.
There are two ways to WIN:
REGISTER at www.marketnews.ca/register/. Enter your name, e-mail address, desired password and screen name, the required security code (to avoid pesky spammers!), then hit "submit". Check your e-mail account for an e-mail from us and click on the verification link to complete the registration process. Then, voila! Your name will automatically be entered into our draw.
COMMENT on news stories or blog entries. Each comment gets you one entry for that week. Full sentence comments are required; and comments that don't abide by our Code of Conduct will not count (and will likewise be removed from the site).
New members can also gain bonus entries by submitting comments after joining the site. Remember, every comment counts, so enter as often as you like!
THE PRIZES
While it's branded by BlackBerry with the signature logo on its front, the HS-500 Bluetooth headset can be used with any Bluetooth-equipped mobile phone or device. The $80 accessory features automatic volume adjustment, voice dialing capability (with compatible phones), and noise cancellation. It can also work with some third-party GPS applications for listening to audible turn-by-turn directions while you drive.
The VM-605 has a similar feature set, except that it's a speakerphone that clips to a car's visor allowing you to chat hands-free, without donning a device around your ear. The slim and stylish unit ($120) boasts an FM transmitter that allows you to listen to tunes from an A2DP-enabled mobile phone (like the latest BlackBerries) through your car's speaker system.
THE DRAW
A random draw will be conducted each week starting on or by Monday, November 9, 2009; and every week thereafter. Winners will be contacted each week by e-mail, and we'll announce their names in the e-newsletter.
The giveaway is open to all residents of Canada over the age of 18.
Learn more about hands-free legislation and safe driving across Canada in our Feature article; and stay tuned to the November issue of Marketnews for additional details on the Ontario hands-free legislation.
Happy Commenting, Happy Chatting, and Good Luck!
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14 comments »
Eli47 June 12, 2010, 23:38 pm
I am certainly happy with the new legislation for mandatory Hands free for all vehicle operators. And even more so to see Car radios equipped with Blue Tooth Hands free. Being a happy owner of a Motorola RAZR, I have been tempted by the iPhone and wondering how Motorola will compete. The "Droid" is a resounding reply, And despite it's initial production quirks (not that iPhone didn't have any), I am sure that they will improve with later models. Having all these features may be nice, but hopefully the drivers attention will remain focused on the road as they are looking for cannoli. Withe the plethora of features available to us today, it's no wonder that " a customers expectations rises in direct proportion to the amount spent, and hence the complexity of the situation." As for in-ear Blue Tooth devices. Finding a comfortable one is a feat in itself. Be safe driving 'eh.
ingram November 25, 2009, 21:21 pm
I enjoy ready your newsletter findit very informative.
Stephen_S November 12, 2009, 19:57 pm
I'd be interested to know whether your readers who commute the 400 series highways extensively have noticed a significant drop in "nuisance" accidents, like the one's apparently caused by mobile phone use. I have!
bobbenedetti November 11, 2009, 20:48 pm
I wouldn't think of using a phone in the car without some sort of hands free device.
maceyr November 03, 2009, 17:50 pm
Thanks to marketnews for offering this great contest! Good luck, everyone!
4052 November 01, 2009, 04:34 am
I think it is a great idea to use hand-free devices all the time while you are driving. BTW, the motorola Droid phone seems to have all features I need.
plmzaq October 29, 2009, 16:04 pm
Wish they were ticketing alread y -- not waiting for February.
ChristinePersaud October 29, 2009, 15:19 pm
Thanks for the compliments, guys! However, let's try commenting on news items, not just this contest form! There is plenty going on in the industry that warrants interesting comment and debate. What do you think of the new Motorola Droid phone, not to mention the ad campaign that takes stabs at the iPhone? Comment on that news item and let us know. What has your experience been like with the latest custom A/V iPhone interfaces? See this week's Custom Corner to leave your input there. (By the way, I'm not commenting here to enter myself. I obviously don't qualify to win!) :)
amann October 29, 2009, 14:32 pm
I get a great magazine and can get free stuff......I'm in. Saskatchewan is jumping on the handsfree legislation bandwagon as well. It needs to be done, too many people both young and old feel the need to to be totally oblivious to their surroundings and fellow drivers sharing the road with them.
BarryH411 October 29, 2009, 13:31 pm
Very intelligent law! Hats off to you MarketNews for the promotion to get hands on the wheel! Keep up the good work!
Lovebug October 29, 2009, 11:42 am
Christine, I enjoyed reading your stories. You keep me informed on the latest audio and digital technologies. it even better when I can enter this great contest. I have to turn my phone off when I am driving now because i cannot afford a hand free headsets yet. Keep up the great work.
thestephenjones October 29, 2009, 11:30 am
The one thing this contest is missing is additional entries for submitting referrals... other email addresses of people who would be interested in receiving your eNewsletter... that would really increase your readership.
Stephen October 29, 2009, 11:22 am
Great prize! Very relevent and current.
jonathan October 29, 2009, 04:10 am
Love contests!
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