Let the hive mind of Engadget get that for you.
"As someone who doesn't reside in the USA, I was wondering what would be the best way to get internet for my computer in the US for a couple of weeks? If it were Europe I know I'd look for some prepaid data. Is there anything similar offered by American carriers? A MiFi or a data SIM that I can tether from would work, but I'm trying to maintain a tight budget. Help!"
This happens every 13 months from the initial release date for some reason.
I personally think MS will be changing Live so that you don't need Gold to play online. You'll still need it for "early" access and for streaming Netflix though.
The last numbers Microsoft released said they have 17 million XBL users and the majority are gold. That's 8.5 million people (minimum) paying $50 a year. I don't think Microsoft will be giving up almost half a billion a year.
Not really, because Netflix run just in US and Gold it's worldwide subscription. Anyways this price-cut is sweet, I remember when I bought my very first annual subscription hopping to finish it until RRoD could knock my door ...and IT DID (finish the sub) T____T, then I sell it to buy Elite u_u
I think you only read half of my post.
Microsoft has no intention of losing the paying gold customers. They will just try to win them using different enticements. Early access to demos (as now), Netflix, perhaps even beta access to hot upcoming games or a free game each quarter.
Personally, I think that all of LIVE should be free. They earn enough from their online sales of videos and stuff anyway. Well, at least Netflix shouldn't require LIVE Gold as you'd have to first pay for a Netflix membership and then for LIVE Gold - that's kinda much. Unless they allow Gold members to view online Netflix videos without being Netflix members.
This is the eternal debate. Gold subscribers are always bitching that they don't get much for their money. (Even though they effectively fund all of the awesome updates.)
Meanwhile all the silver subscribers bitch that they should get everything for free.
Since Gold costs... 8c per day. (Or $2.5 per month) I can hardly see how Gold is too costly for an amazing service which is continually upgraded by a large development team.
Who here is so broke they can't afford $2.5 a month?
It's not that I can afford it. It's that it's throwing away money. I can play online for free on PS3, Wii and PC. And I do. A lot. There's no need to pay to play online on 360.