Microsoft gets its act together... sort of

Fair Go

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Reporter: Gordon Harcourt

A few weeks back we told you about some surprising incompetence on Microsoft's part. They were doing the right thing, preventing under 18s accessing "mature content". They just didn't bother telling anybody what they were doing.

Angry xbox users contacted fair go when they suddenly found they couldn't download any material at all from the Xbox website.

Dismissive Microsoft statement
When we asked about it, Microsoft sent a remarkably brief statement, in which they completely failed to say "sorry" or "regret" or give any indication at all they realised they'd messed their customers about.

We are happy to say the wheels are slowly turning. If you're a New Zealand Xbox user under 18, you still can't download anything at all, even G content. However, we are assured Microsoft are working on sorting this out.

"Sorry" isn't the hardest word
More immediately, they've got their act together on actually informing their customers. Retailers have been briefed, and a couple of weeks back they emailed all the child account holders, saying "We sincerely regret any inconvenience this update has caused and we are working on restoring access to appropriate content. This is not a straightforward matter and we are unable to confirm when a solution will be in place but we will stay in touch."

We're glad to see they're finally saying sorry. And they've blocked under 18s from spending cash they then couldn't use, which was what the kids we talked to were most angry about.

Refunds
If you've bought Microsoft download points you now can't use, you can get a refund by going to the following web address, or calling 0508 555 592.

www.xbox.com/en-nz/support

Source:
http://tvnz.co.nz/fair-go/xbox-update-microsoft-gets-its-act-together-sort-2963373