Xbox Live Gold subscription requirement to be lifted for Hulu, Netflix

4.7

Netflix and Hulu may soon be available via Xbox Live to all users – even if they don’t have an Xbox Live Gold subscription.

Ars Technica cites “multiple sources within Microsoft” for the rumour, claiming that the Xbox Live Gold paywall will be removed for streaming media apps on both Xbox 360 and Xbox One.

The site has been told that other Xbox Live services may be added to the Gold offering to balance the change, but could not confirm whether this refers to existing services or upcoming content like Microsoft’s original programming.

The decision to make the change is not yet finalised, apparently, and Microsoft is expected to make an announcement about the change at its June 9 E3 2014 briefing should it decide to follow through.

Microsoft has not commented on the matter.

The Xbox Live Gold paywall is a bit of a sore issue as Hulu, Netflix and cable channels already require a subscription, meaning users have to cough up twice. The PlayStation Network and Nintendo Network do not charge a subscription fee to access similar offerings.

Posted: May 12, 2014 11:23 pm
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.vg247.com/2014/05/13/xbox-live-gold-subscription-requirement-to-be-lifted-for-hulu-netflix-rumour/

Comments

DismissPosted: Tue. May 13, 2014

I really like the idea of this. I pretty much only had my gold for 1/2 games and Netflix. But now it's free, I'll just stop paying for gold and sit on Netflix all day. Would be nice if they did it for YouTube as well.

PoonPosted: Tue. May 13, 2014

I have my card on my account, so i never have to worry about this anyways, but my girlfriend will be able to watch netflix when ever now! this is actually a pretty good thing

LostPosted: Tue. May 13, 2014

Wish they did this back when I didn't have gold. It was so annoying not being able to watch netflix on my console even though I pay every month for it.

MuddinPosted: Tue. May 13, 2014

Now they just need to bring Netflix to more countries... I hear so many good things about it, though it's not available in Australia :(

SkreamiesPosted: Tue. May 13, 2014

Though I don't use these because they're a waste of money. It's good to see Microsoft doing this for all users.

BashfulPosted: Tue. May 13, 2014

TrueHardcoreGamer ITs about time they did this took them YEARS since start of XBOX360, i always thought it was so stupid that u needed GOLD MEMBERSHIP to use, internet explorer, Netflix, Hulu & 99% of the SYSTEM, the onlything u can do WITH OUT Gold, is play single player or 2-4players in ur own xbox360 with friend over, other then that the hole system is locked is nothing but a Brick, i kno my Friend had an Xbox360 with no Gold and it was useless he always had come to my house to have fun on the Xbox360 cuz i had Gold. it took years but GOOD JOB Microsoft you can now let ppl use Netflix & Hulu without Gold, you been able do this on PS4. No PS4 subscription only blocks Multi Player Online, rest of the system/apps are allowed. hoply Xbox will soon do the same and ONLY block multi Online Play & leave rest of the system/app Unlocked. But i respect Microsoft starting to lission and allow NetFlix & Hulu with out Gold so Good Job =)

Lol. The 360 didn't have Netflix hulu or ie when it came out first. They just didn't see changing policies over a few apps. It would be nice but I'm a silver member and my console is far from useless

-yoghurtPosted: Tue. May 13, 2014

yay this is great news for me

TrueHardcoreGamerPosted: Tue. May 13, 2014

ITs about time they did this took them YEARS since start of XBOX360, i always thought it was so stupid that u needed GOLD MEMBERSHIP to use, internet explorer, Netflix, Hulu & 99% of the SYSTEM, the onlything u can do WITH OUT Gold, is play single player or 2-4players in ur own xbox360 with friend over, other then that the hole system is locked is nothing but a Brick, i kno my Friend had an Xbox360 with no Gold and it was useless he always had come to my house to have fun on the Xbox360 cuz i had Gold. it took years but GOOD JOB Microsoft you can now let ppl use Netflix & Hulu without Gold, you been able do this on PS4. No PS4 subscription only blocks Multi Player Online, rest of the system/apps are allowed. hoply Xbox will soon do the same and ONLY block multi Online Play & leave rest of the system/app Unlocked. But i respect Microsoft starting to lission and allow NetFlix & Hulu with out Gold so Good Job =)

RinPosted: Tue. May 13, 2014

Better late than never, now I can enjoy some of my shows without the extra payment.