Microsoft has banned some Xbox One users from applications including Upload Studio/DVR video gameplay sharing functionality and Skype instant messaging. The bans are reportedly temporary and were imposed upon users for “excessive profanity” reports IGN gaming news. Could users be swearing because of hardware issues, or the fact that a copy of Angry Birds Space costs $50, or perhaps they’ve just found out the value of their old Xbox 360 or PS3, now gathering dust, has halved?
No swearing please
Users thought that Microsoft must be listening in to their Skype calls after several were temporarily banned from the service for using “excessive profanity”. However Microsoft has issued a statement detailing the reasons for its action. A Microsoft representative told IGN that the company doesn’t monitor direct peer-to-peer chats such as those in Skype. However Upload Studio shares must be kept clean; “we take Code of Conduct moderation via Upload Studio very seriously. We want a clean, safe and fun environment for all users. Excessive profanity as well as other Code of Conduct violations will be enforced upon and result in suspension of some or all privileges on Xbox Live. We remain committed to preserving and promoting a safe, secure and enjoyable experience for all of our Xbox Live members,” said Microsoft.
IGN reasons that the temporary banning of users from Upload Studio had a knock on effect on Skype as both are Gold account features.
In other next generation console news Geek is reporting that Angry Birds Star Wars, published by Activision on Xbox One and PS4 is priced at a stonking $49.99. The magazine suggests that Angry Birds fans could spend less than this sum on a Mircast dongle to play on your big TV via your smartphone. With the dongle you could experience better graphics as the PS4 version of Angry Birds is apparently only 720p.
Now if you still have an old Xbox 360 or PS3 and want to trade it in VentureBeat has some bad news for you. The tech magazine reports that “the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 are old news,” and this is now clearly reflected in their trade-in prices, in the UK market, which have halved since the beginning of the year. Since January the PS3 has lost 44 per cent of its trade in value, the Xbox 360 has lost between 33 per cent and 50 per cent of its value depending upon the model.
Free game for those affected by faulty hardware
Today there is good news for those who were unlucky enough to get a faulty Xbox One console. Polygon received a copy of an email from Xbox Customer Care saying that affected users can choose a free complimentary game.
There are four Microsoft Studios titles to choose from, all of which are downloadable (which would help out the buyers with faulty ODDs), choose from: Dead Rising 3, Forza Motorsport 5, Ryse: Son of Rome or Zoo Tycoon. The Microsoft email explained that “While a replacement console is on its way, we want to ensure our advance exchange customers can stay in the game”.
