By Craig Zammit
WASHINGTON, USA: Microsoft has launched a new website in the US to further address the problems associated with its Xbox 360 console with the new website allowing consumers to register their console, set up a repair and then track the progress online.
The website, which can be found at http://service.xbox.com, involves user inputting their Windows Live ID and then registering their console repair. The tracking service and online system is designed to simplify the logistics involved with the large amount of repairs for Xbox 360 consoles seen in recent times.
This new site also allows consumers to register an ‘in-warranty’ or ‘out-of-warranty’ repair, while also offering a $5 discount for any ‘out-of-warranty’ repairs.
Earlier this year, former Microsoft corporate vice president, Peter Moore, who has since moved on to software developer EB Games, stated on the company’s website that the Xbox 360 would have its warranty extended to 36 months for general hardware failures in an attempt to ease concern for the consoles high failure rate.
“Good service and a good customer experience are areas of the business that we care deeply about. And frankly, we’ve not been doing a good enough job," Moore said at the time.
”We are implementing some important policy changes intended to keep you in the game, worry-free.
“If we have let any of you down in the experience you have had with your Xbox 360, we sincerely apologise. We are taking responsibility and are making these changes to ensure that every Xbox 360 owner continues to have a great experience,” he said.
The new website launch coincides with Microsoft’s announcement of a $US50 price-cut on the Xbox 360 console in the US.
However, at this time no announcement has been made concerning a potential price-cut in Australia.