Microsoft could be removing the Xbox Live Gold requirement for Netflix and other streaming services.
Currently, Xbox One and 360 users need a paid Xbox Live Gold subscription to access streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Instant Video and Hulu.
However, according to “multiple sources within Microsoft”, the company will soon make it free to access such services on Xbox consoles.
This would make the Xbox Live subscription more akin to that offered with PlayStation Plus on the PS4. With Sony’s newest console, you only need to pay for PlayStation Plus if you want to play online multiplayer games.
All other services on the PS4 aren’t locked behind a paywall like they currently are on its rival the Xbox One.
However, the sources suggested that Microsoft may place other services behind the Xbox Live Gold paywall to make up for the likes of Netflix being let slip through the crack.
It isn’t currently clear whether that will include existing services, or only upcoming Gold services like the Xbox Entertainment Studios TV content.
If the changes do go ahead the following services will remain behind the Live Gold paywall:
- Multiplayer gaming
- Internet Explorer on your TV
- Games with Gold
- Exclusive deals and special offers
- Xbox Music
- Home Gold
- SmartMatch
- Game DVR and Upload Studio
- Skype
- Xbox Fitness
Microsoft will reportedly announce the Xbox Live subscription changes at its E3 2014 press conference on June 9.
We have reached out to Microsoft for comment on this story and will update if we hear back.
Read more: Xbox One vs PS4
Via: ArsTechnica