Well, you've got to give them points for fronting up. Microsoft has just announced it's setting aside $US1.05 billion to $US1.15 billion to cover Xbox 360 defects after experiencing an "unacceptable" number of consumer requests for repairs. The company doesn't specify what's causing the problems, but as we've previously reported on this site, overheating has been an issue. Anyhow, whatever the cause, Microsoft says it will reimburse any customers who've had to pay for repairs after receiving a so-called "red ring of death" error message on their Xbox 360, or the flashing red light that signifies a hardware error. A new, expanded warranty will cover red ring of death (RROD?) malfunctions for up to three years after you've bought one of its consoles.

Stuff the Americas Cup
Meanwhile, on the good old PC side of the gaming fence (well, with a little Xbox 360 signage thrown in), our new recruit Jan Birkeland will be competing in the New Zealand leg of the Pan Asian qualifying series for the World Cyber Games this weekend.
Winners will get the chance to compete in the Grand Final of the World Cyber Games in October. If you're into your gaming, this is bigger than the Olympics, or that yacht race.