The Xbox team has revealed a bunch of updates regarding both the Xbox 360 and Xbox One consoles, and the Head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, has announced–among other things–that you’ll no longer require Xbox Live Gold membership to enjoy the Netflix and Hulu entertainment apps.
Starting from June, the same month that the Kinect-less Xbox One will start shipping (with a $100 price cut to boot), Xbox users will be able to access popular entertainment apps, like Netflix and Hulu, regardless of whether or not they have Xbox Live Gold.
“Xbox 360 has been a leader in delivering entertainment experiences for years, with over 170 global entertainment apps and experiences available today,” Spencer said in the announcement. “ We’re constantly adding new partners and experiences to the growing catalog on Xbox One.
Coming in June, anyone with an Xbox will be able to access popular entertainment experiences – whether or not you have an Xbox Live Gold membership, ” he continued. “ This includes great gaming apps like Machinima, Twitch and Upload, popular video services like Netflix, Univision Deportes, GoPro, Red Bull TV and HBO GO, sports experiences like the NFL app for Xbox One, MLB.TV, NBA Game Time, NHL Game Center and more. ”
Spencer then went on to say that even the apps for Internet Explorer for both Xbox One and Xbox 360, and Skype, OneDrive and OneGuide for Xbox One will also be available for Xbox users.
The caveat is that some apps may still require provider-specific subscriptions and/or additional requirements; Netflix, Hulu, NFL, ESPN, NBA, and NHL are used as examples for the caveat in the announcement. GoPro and HBO GO are also currently available only on the Xbox 360, with Xbox One versions coming soon.
[ Xbox Wire ]