The Xbox 360 kiosks have been popping up everywhere lately, spreading from retail chain to
retail chain, but not without a few bumps along the way.
Namely, there have been reports of kiosks being shut down because of the interference with the stores' PA
systems.
The official word from Microsoft is that many retailers "have discovered that their network-based inventory management
systems can be impacted by products using modern wireless signals," one of which is the new Xbox 360 console.
Furthermore, "a solution to this issue was developed within 24 hours of identifying the issue and we are currently
deploying the fix to the affected locations."
Microsoft also addresses any concern that one might have of the Xbox 360 affecting their home entertainment systems.
"This issue is specific to the equipment used in a few retail environment," says the press release, and that the Xbox
360 has met all FCC/ETSI requirements "for operation in the 2.4GHz band." In other words, other devices that also
comply - cell phones and laptops, for example - will be okay. So unless you have a device lying around that does not
comply with the FCC/ETSI rules of operation (don't we all?), you should be fine.
Here is a copy of the updated press statement on the issue of the Xbox 360?s difficulty in the Wal-Mart environment. It turns out the ?Q&A? version of the release that was posted here yesterday was not written for public consumption. Here?s the new version:
Our Xbox 360 retail kiosk program rolled out this week and we encountered some minor wireless interference issues at a small number of retail outlets that are specific to some retail environments. Since the advent of 2.4 ghz signals, such as those found in next generation consumer electronics like cordless phones, wireless routers and now, Xbox 360, some retailers have discovered that their network-based inventory management systems can be impacted by products using modern wireless signals. While retailers are constantly updating their internal management systems, sometimes new products being introduced into the market can cause this kind of temporary interference. We are working closely with retailers to provide a software solution that mitigates this problem within their retail environments. Adjustments and tweaks to kiosks of any kind are quite common once they?re deployed in a ?live? retail environment. We consider making such adjustments a standard part of the launch process.
A solution to this issue was developed within 24 hours of identifying the issue and we are currently deploying the fix to the affected locations.
If you?ve got Joystiq feeds, you should still have a copy of the older version of the post in your feed reader.
