Facebook & Twitter

[GamerMan316]

Buried at the foot of the press release announcing Microsoft's 360 price cuts this morning was this little nugget: "Xbox Live Gold Membership will be required for Twitter and Facebook when they are available".

Seems a strange move, what with both Facebook and Twitter being 100% free on both PCs and phones. In defence, a Microsoft spokesperson told MCV the info was "incorrect", and that Microsoft "is still formulating its plans" regarding the availability of the services.

Since when is incorrect info outlined so specifically in an official press release? Mark us down as "quietly concerned".

UPDATE: We were right to be concerned! Microsoft's plans have already been "formulated", and involve...locking Silver members out of services that everywhere else on earth are free.

    Facebook and Twitter on Xbox LIVE will be free to Gold members, with a free trial period also available for Silver members. Facebook and Twitter on Xbox LIVE will offer a truly one-of-a-kind social experience, completely optimized for the TV and seamlessly integrated onto your console. Add to that exclusive access to Last.fm, Netflix instant streaming, demos, trailers and discounts, plus the best multiplayer gaming network on the planet, and we're confident Xbox LIVE Gold memberships is hands-down the best value in home entertainment. We're committed to adding new features and value for our Gold members, and will continue to do so.

[Failed]

I don't really care too much but i'm a paying Gold'un i deserve to be looked after more than any lowly silvers!

[reaper79666]

you tell em your highness 

[GamerMan316]

i won't be using either of them on my 360, i just thought i'd share the info 

[reaper79666]

i wont either but i would have not known till you posted it. thanks i would much rather game with my xbox if i want facebook i go on my laptop lol

[nCogNeato]

While I understand the logic of wanting Facebook and Twitter access free on Xbox Live ... Silver members should keep in mind that they are not paying for Facebook and Twitter.  They are paying for the entire Xbox Live experience, and the conviences it provides.

You can use Facebook, Twitter, Netflix (US only), and many online games free on a PC.  If you want the convenience and pleasure of using these on your Xbox 360, you need to pay for a Gold subscription.

[xnightcrawlerxx]

MS is a business. and they're using facebook and twitter to get more customers. good for them.  if you're too poor or cheap to spend $50 a yr on XBL, then maybe you should be spending your time doing something other than playing videogames and tweeting.

[Failed]

Like making money CHING

[xnightcrawlerxx]

Like making money CHING

my thoughts exactly

[TaraJayne]

I dont really care about facebook or twitter on my xbox either. I use my pc for that its free. But I also think it should be for gold members only as I like to know I have better things than the cheap skate silver members

[NeuroticSarge]

I won't use either of them anyhow.It takes me about half hour to send a message normally.
Don't use twitter anyway.What's that then? 

[Lukehi]

I wont be using them either...just hope theres a 'turn off' feature.

Not sure if this has been posted but the XBL update is happening on the 15th, which is Tuesday if anyone is bothered

[GamerMan316]

for anyone that's even interested in the crappy downgraded social networking programs coming to the 360, they will be available to everyone on November 17th, oh joy 

[KoreRupt]

To be fair I think of this more as a "Gold members get more stuff for actually paying" than a screwing over the silver members, end of the day alot of us have payed for years and the more we get back the more its worth it!

After all, its us gold members that payed the way for Microsoft to explore this option!

Not that I dont wish silver people had it to.. I just see it as a reward.

[KoreRupt]

Oh yeah I have facebook, so if anyone wants to add me from here feel free to do so!  I think its under Zero5241@hotmail.co.uk