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Xbox Live beta experiencing incorrect pricing in select regions
There appears to be some general confusion about Xbox Live's real-world pricing and point conversions for those currently in the company's beta program. We've received tips of prices having both favorable and negative exchange rates, so we followed up with Microsoft to find out what's going on. "We are aware that select regions experienced some incorrect game title pricing in the Xbox Live beta. This was an unintended error that we are in the process of fixing," a Microsoft spokesperson informed Joystiq. "We'll be reimbursing impacted beta participants for the difference in what was paid and what the price will be after the update is available to all members. "Of note, beta programs give us a chance to test, fix and correct issues like this. As with all betas, we take the learnings from our program and make corrections and adjustments prior to the update being available to all members. As always, we appreciate the participation of our beta customers in helping us launch and build great products." The company previously told us Xbox's conversion to local currency will be "equal or greater" than the existing Microsoft Point value. For those looking for a deeper dive, here's the FAQ on conversion.
Xbox Live beta sign-ups starting soon
Microsoft will begin sign-ups shortly for the Xbox 360 Public Beta, which will include updates to the system, with one of them hopefully being a reduction in boot-up time for the system. There's no specificity to what updates the beta will add beyond improving overall performance and the ability to conduct transaction in local currency. Microsoft announced at E3 it was retiring Microsoft Points this year. "Unlike our previous beta programs, sign up is now accessed directly through your Xbox 360 console to streamline the experience," wrote Microsoft's Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb on his site. "Space is limited, so once the spots are filled the beta will be closed to the public." To sign up, look for the Xbox Beta Program on the home hub of the Xbox dashboard. There will be a non-disclosure agreement to sign and more information should be accessible at the Beta FAQ (not working as of this posting).
