Xbox has partnered with Telstra and Optus to give users high-bandwidth connection to the Xbox Live servers, which are housed in the United States, to offer "a number of exciting broadband connectivity offers and marketing programs". Many consumers have been concerned that using the Xbox Live service would be impossible unless the data was excluded from the download caps imposed by ISPs.
The Xbox Live starter kits, which include Xbox Live Voice Communicator headset, used to chat both in and out of games, Starter Disc with 2 game demos - Moto GP and Mech Assault, and a 12 month subscription to the Xbox Live service, has a recommended retail price of AU$99.95.
The service will offer features including real time voice chat, friend-finding capabilities, and the ability to get Xbox messages through your PC or mobile. Xbox has 20 games ready for launch, and 50 more scheduled for launch before Christmas.
Major retail giants have also thrown their support behind the launch, with Westfield hosting a national Xbox tour in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney from September 29 through to February 2004.
