So I just got an email in today about how Xbox Live is going to up it's price another $10 for a yearly subscription. Now, $10 more a year isn't that much, but the fact that they aren't adding anything really worthwhile for that extra money really irks me. Here's what they're adding:
- With ESPN on Xbox LIVE, you can stream and watch over 3,500 live and on-demand sporting events plus highlights.
- Video Kinect allows you to chat with family and friends on the big screen, right from the comfort of your living room—no headset or controller required.
- With Hulu Plus on Xbox LIVE you will be able to enjoy a customized Hulu Plus experience that will include Kinect navigation and Xbox LIVE Parties.
Alright, 3 things that seem legit...except for the fact that all 3 of these things require paying EXTRA for each on top of your yearly subscription. The ESPN thing requires you to have a ESPN broadband provider (whatever that means). I can only assume that costs you more. Kinect, of course, is rumoured to be $150 and has a microphone and camera built in. This is the only cool feature, as now you don't need a separate camera or use your headset for chatting now if you have a Kinect. Now Hulu Plus? Yeah, that requires a separate subscription.
Though I enjoyed the addition of Netflix and Facebook to Xbox Live, trying to justify the $10 price increase with 3 so-so features doesn't suede me. Netflix streaming was waaaaaay cooler and required no extra fee to Microsoft.
The only plus side is you have a chance to "lock in" the current yearly rate of $50 if you subscribe (or resubscribe) before November. Oh well, they gotta pay the bills somehow...
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