In case ya' haven't heard:
SEATTLE — Microsoft Corp. is recalling 14.1 million power cords for its Xbox game because they can catch fire.
The software company said 30 customers have reported fire damage. Seven Xbox users burned their hands, while 23 had smoke damage or damage to their carpets or entertainment centers.
The news came as a surprise to Adam Donnelly, a sophomore at Beyer High School in Modesto who spends several hours gaming each day. He plans to get a new power cord.
He has friends who have burned out their computers by plugging in too many things at once, so he turns off his 2001 Xbox when he's not using it and has special heat absorbers on his power cords.
Microsoft vice president Peter Moore said the company has known about the problem for some time and spent the past several months gearing up for the recall by producing more cords and making other arrangements.
The recall affects Xboxes made before Oct. 23, 2003. Overall, the recall covers about 70 percent of the 20 million consoles sold, Microsoft said.
Customers can order a free replacement cord by going to www.xbox.com. Until a new cord is delivered, Xbox users should turn off their machines when they're not using them, Microsoft said. Moore declined to say how much the recall will cost the company.
Matt Brady of Gustine, a freshman at Merced College, said the recall will prompt him to change his ways.
He said he likes to move his 2002 Xbox around the house to hook it up to different televisions and often leaves it on after playing. "I'll have to really re-evaluate my habits with that."