Microsoft’s offering a free weekend of Xbox Live Gold service to entice new subscribers. While an Xbox 360 ($200 and up) nets you a solid gaming platform, to enable the most compelling online features, such as collaborative gameplay and Netflix streaming, one must subscribe to “Gold” — which retails for $60/year. As regular reader James (jcm) says, the Xbox 360 currently offers arguably the most complete video streaming experience in terms of quantity/quality of apps, polished interface, and integrated search. Yet, the annual subscription irks me and I’ve allowed my service to lapse. Heck, for the same money, one could buy a fee-free Roku LT streamer ($50).
But I went ahead and dug my Xbox 360 out of the closet to partake in the Free Gold Weekend (6/1 – 6/3) to check out the new Amazon Instant video streaming app. As an Amazon Prime member ($80/year), I’m entitled to all sorts of “free” content. Although, I have to say my primary motivation was to check out Amazon’s new Watchlist — overcoming their most significant technical shortcoming compared to say Netflix or Hulu Plus, as recently pointed out by Engadget HD’s Richard Lawler: No queue is a bizarre way to live.
Coincidentally, while I was drafting this post, I discovered Roku’s Amazon app received an update today… that also enables the new Watchlist. And, so it appears, I’ll be packing up the 360 until a time when they rethink this annual fee or I pick up a Kinect.
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I hope Microsoft is considering bringing DVR services and CableCARD support to the Xbox in the long run (given the abandonment of Windows Media Center). In the short term, I hope they release a Roku-esque Xbox Live box primarily for their streaming services. But without fees. We shall see.
I debated if I was going to renew my live membership this year, but in the end I did. I like having ESPN3 to available to watch games not broadcast in my area. I agree the fee is steep when compared to Roku and even the PS3 allowing access Netflix (which I dropped when they started to charge an extra fee) and Amazon. The overall quality of movies has improved with Amazon and they keep increasing the movies and even adding HD streaming. For the price I don't think Amazon can be beat, plus the upgraded shipping and at least for me great customer service.
I wonder how long ESPN3 will remain exclusive... it's in their best interest to spread it around.