Examining Xbox Live: What Do You Get?
In this chapter:
- → Understanding Xbox Live Memberships
- → Joining Xbox Live
- → Redeeming Codes
- → Paying for Purchases with PayPal
- → Earning Achievements for Games and Media
- → Accessing Xbox Live Gold Anywhere
- → Connecting to Xbox on the Web
- → Enjoying Xbox Live Rewards
- → Understanding Updates
Xbox Live is a Microsoft service that enables online multiplayer gaming, access to various digital media and services, and system and app updates. It was first made available in 2002 for the original Xbox console and has evolved considerably since then, with new features added regularly, including expansion of the service to other platforms, such as computers and mobile devices. It is available both as a limited free service and as a subscription-based service with a wide range of benefits. Joining Xbox Live and maintaining an Xbox Live Gold membership is crucial to getting the most out of your console.
Understanding Xbox Live Memberships
The free Xbox Live service is known as Xbox Live Free (it was previously known as Xbox Live Silver), whereas the paid service is known as Xbox Live Gold, with the latter offering access to considerably more features and services, as demonstrated in Table 3.1. As a bonus, the same Xbox Live account works across other Microsoft platforms, including the Xbox 360.
Table 3.1 Sample Comparison of Features and Services Offered by Xbox Live Free Versus Xbox Live Gold
Feature |
Xbox Live |
Xbox Live |
Additional |
Avatar creation and customization |
Yes |
Yes |
None |
Bing |
Yes |
Yes |
None |
Downloadable games and game add-ons |
Yes |
Yes |
None |
Family settings |
Yes |
Yes |
None |
Free demos and game previews |
Yes |
Yes |
None |
Voice chat |
Yes |
Yes |
Headset or Kinect |
Xbox Video |
Yes |
Yes |
None |
Amazon Instant Video |
No |
Yes |
Amazon Prime subscription |
ESPN |
No |
Yes |
WatchESPN-affiliated ISP |
Game DVR |
No |
Yes |
None |
Hulu Plus |
No |
Yes |
Hulu Plus account |
Internet Explorer |
No |
Yes |
None |
Netflix |
No |
Yes |
Netflix account |
NFL on Xbox |
No |
Yes |
Cable or satellite provider subscription |
OneGuide |
No |
Yes |
None |
Online multiplayer gaming |
No |
Yes |
None |
Party chat |
No |
Yes |
Headset or Kinect |
Skype |
No |
Yes |
Kinect and a Skype account |
SmartMatch |
No |
Yes |
None |
Twitch.tv |
No |
Yes |
Twitch.tv account |
Upload Studio |
No |
Yes |
None |
Xbox Music |
No |
Yes |
Xbox Music Pass subscription |
Although an Xbox Live Gold membership makes many more features and services accessible to you on your Xbox One, several have additional requirements (for example, a Netflix subscription to access Netflix content). In addition, much of the digital content on the various digital marketplaces on offer is not free. For example, the only downloadable games that are generally free are ad-supported games or online multiplayer titles that offer in-game purchases. Making purchases from any of the marketplaces requires having an existing balance, using a prepaid card or code, or having a credit card or PayPal account on file. See the “Redeeming Codes” and “Paying for Purchases with PayPal” sections later in this chapter for more information.
You can purchase an Xbox Live Gold membership directly through your Xbox One, but you will likely save some money if you shop around. Check other retailers before you buy, such as game stores and online merchants. At Amazon.com, for instance, you can opt to purchase a card that contains a code that gives you access to Xbox Live for a certain amount of time, or you can opt to receive the code via email once you make your payment. If using a third-party retailer, just be sure to use one that is reputable, especially if you opt to receive your code electronically.