Microsoft to Hike Up Cost for Xbox LIVE Gold

Want free stuff for doing what you always do on Xbox LIVE? Microsoft has just introduced their Rewards program for Xbox Live users in both the UK and US. Simply sign up and do what you already do anyway and you’ll be given Microsoft Points to use toward purchasing movies, music, games, avatar stuff and many other items I’ll not drone on about.
Major Nelson notes on his blog:

Microsoft is raising subscription prices for its popular Xbox Live Gold online gaming service in the U.S. and three other countries.









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Xbox 360 users, Microsoft wants to know what you think of the upcoming update for the Xbox 360 dashboard and a few new services. I say this because Microsoft is currently opening their Xbox Live Update Preview Program for users to try out. The only thing you need to do is head on over to Major Nelson’s blog and register. Those who are selected will gain early access to the Xbox 360′s updated user interface (pictured below), the Xbox Live on-demand ESPN 3 and the enhanced Netflix interface, among other things.

Keeping with the theme of revamping and updating that Microsoft has been busy doing over the last year, Major Nelson’s blog has reported that Microsoft will be taking down their Xbox.com site and upgrading it to add support for nine new regions and more features.
Major Nelson has included a link to some preview pictures of the upcoming changes. You can view the picture by visiting here.
According to Major Nelson, new features include:

BioWare has confirmed its Mass Effect 3
demo for Xbox 360 will come with a trial Xbox Live Gold membership,
mercifully allowing all spacefarers to test drive the sequel's single and
multiplayer modes...

Verizon and Microsoft are teaming up to bring new FiOS TV-powered entertainment offerings to the Xbox 360 gaming console, a move that highlights the rapid expansion of diverse content across multiple platforms. The deal will use Verizon's FiOS TV application to allow Xbox Live Gold members to watch live TV from participating partners through their video game consoles.

Today marks the last day that the Xbox Live service will be available for those who are still clinging to their original Xbox consoles. Microsoft announced back in February that as of April 15, all active servers for original Xbox Live subscribers will be shut off. This means...

Microsoft recently unveiled an official Xbox LIVE application for iOS devices, including the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The application allows users to view and change Xbox avatars, send Xbox LIVE friends messages or compare achievements, learn about new games and more.