Reports across the web this week have suggested that Microsoft is taking action to improve the cooling system in the Xbox 360 console. Anecdotal evidence has suggested that the failure rate for the Xbox 360 is higher than the three to five percent range often cited by Microsoft. Last month, corporate vice president Peter Moore commented that the 360's failure rate is a "moving target" and that consumers should judge Microsoft on the quality of their customer service.

Well if you believe the photos that have appeared on Max Console and elsewhere, Microsoft is not only fixing consoles with the "red lights of death," but the company is also installing new heat sinks to prevent overheating from damaging consoles in the future. The reports suggest that customers who have sent in their 360s for repair have gotten back consoles with new beefy heat sinks. It's not clear if this is now standard policy, is on a case-by-case basis or if Microsoft is now manufacturing all new 360 consoles with the improved cooling system.

Microsoft was deliberately vague in its response to GameDaily BIZ. The company did not deny the inclusion of new heat sinks, but it wasn't exactly confirmed either.

A Microsoft spokesperson provided us with the following statement: "Regularly updating console components is commonplace within the industry and is a standard aspect of the business for a variety of reasons including cost reduction, improved manufacturability and improved performance. We do not provide details on these updates."