Microsoft to offer free Xbox Live trials in Taiwan

Gamers in Taiwan are in for a bonus from Microsoft, which will offer a free seven-day trial of its Xbox Live service, in accordance with Taiwan's Consumer Protection Law. Microsoft Taiwan followed in the steps of Apple Inc. and Groupon, which complied with Taipei's unconditional seven-day refund period earlier this year. Yeh Ching-yuan, director of Taipei's Law and Regulation Commission, said their "request" to Microsoft stemmed from complaints that Microsoft had no refund policy for its Xbox online service in Taiwan, Taiwan's Central News Agency reported. According to Yeh, Microsoft agreed last Aug. 15 to a free seven-day trial of its Xbox service, complying with Article 19 of Taiwan's Consumer Protection Law. Meanwhile, Consumer Protection Commission official Chen Pi-chu said the city government will continue to monitor digital content providers to make sure they abide by Taiwan regulations. Earlier, Apple allowed a seven-day free trial period in Taiwan for apps for its iPhone and iPad devices. Apple said customers could return apps for a full refund within seven days of purchase, but customers who return the apps will no longer be authorized to use them. — TJD, GMA News