Xbox Live's Twitter and Facebook free for Gold, for trial by Silver members
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Aug 27th 2009 at 6:10PM } 
A Microsoft representative has clarified for Joystiq, "Facebook and Twitter on Xbox Live will be free to Gold members, with a free trial period also available for Silver members." Specific details on what's included in the trial are not currently available, but clearly Microsoft is continuing its policy to reward Gold subscribers for, well, their subscriptions, despite what must be a tempting motivation to make Twitter and Facebook free-for-all features. Social networking's the killer app, after all (right?) -- and Microsoft could use some new ammo in the console war.
Gallery: Facebook / Twitter on Xbox 360
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
FNG @ Aug 27th 2009 6:12PM
well yeah...
MarkHawk @ Aug 27th 2009 7:01PM
I have no problem paying for the premium service Microsoft has been offering for six years. Especially considering it's 39.99 bucks for 13 months. It is a shame it isn't free for silver members or at least unlocked for consoles with at least 1 active gold member. I have about 5 accounts on my Xbox but only 2 have gold access. Would be nice if when those non gold members came over, if their stats/achievments could upload if they wished.
MarkHawk @ Aug 27th 2009 7:01PM
I have no problem paying for the premium service Microsoft has been offering for six years. Especially considering it's 39.99 bucks for 13 months. It is a shame it isn't free for silver members or at least unlocked for consoles with at least 1 active gold member. I have about 5 accounts on my Xbox but only 2 have gold access. Would be nice if when those non gold members came over, if their stats/achievements could upload if they wished.
tmacairjordan87 @ Aug 27th 2009 6:13PM
"Hey I've got an idea, let's make it so you have to pay to access Facebook and Twitter on 360 even though it's free on PC"
http://assets.sbnation.com/imported_assets/75318/brilliant_medium.jpg
Wes @ Aug 27th 2009 6:16PM
Its as brilliant as getting people to pay for something already easily and readily avaialble for free. Like bottled water. Less quality conrol is required for bottled water than tap water so its really less-safe but people pay more for it! Amazing!
343 Guilty Fart @ Aug 27th 2009 6:19PM
The internet isn't exactly 'free' though, someone's paying for it. And as for 'free' tap water, taxes help pay for that.
MystileArmor @ Aug 27th 2009 6:22PM
But they're not paying for it. It's an added bonus for people that already pay for the membership. It's not like they just raised the price of gold to add that stuff.
It's like going out to dinner and getting a salad-bar added for free. So.. people that didn't eat dinner there should still be able to have free access to the salad-bar?
I mean, yeah, I don't think they should limit that to just silver members, but I can relate to it somewhat and it's not like anyone is paying extra for it. Just another way to entice people to dish out for gold, that's all.
tmacairjordan87 @ Aug 27th 2009 6:24PM
It is paying for it, because if you don't pay for Gold, you can't use it. Same thing with 1 vs 100 and that rumored pay to play feature....you're already paying to play it!
Same with your salad bar, you can't access it unless you're paying for a meal so it's not really free. Technicalities, but it still counts.
Leobebes (BDF: Braid Defence Force) @ Aug 27th 2009 6:31PM
@Wes
Ever heard of Osteosarcoma? Hmm...hmm?
CJLopez @ Aug 27th 2009 6:33PM
but at least you only pay for the internet. in the 360 case you pay the gold membership and the internet fee.
So yeah, in a way, facebook and twitter are free on pc
Sly [Planeteer | Power of Teets & Crumpets] @ Aug 27th 2009 6:34PM
the idea seems insanely stupid since i can actually access facebook on my laptop WHILE playing games. yeah...
PR0F3TA (PSN - PROPHETA) @ Aug 27th 2009 6:35PM
you are assuming people WANT to pay the 50 dollars a year. Yes its an added bonus, but what about the "Silver" membership??
MS Silver Member is like prawns of Johannesburg, toss me a Cat Food pls?
Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ Aug 27th 2009 6:39PM
its paying for it...added bonus my ass...an added bonus would be like....I dunno....sumin that COST money already given to you for free....i.e. SiriusXM Radio
Rhamsey @ Aug 27th 2009 6:42PM
tmacairjordan87, you have a great point about the salad bar analogy, but I see it in this way.
A car dealership near me recently had a deal like this, so ill just use this.
You really wanted a new car. You pay for the car, and a couple months later the car dealership sends you a "free" laptop. You did pay for the car (and essentially the laptop), but before the laptop was part of the picture, so you were never really paying for it in the first place, it was a bonus for those who already bought a car.
Now for those who are going to pay for live just for social networking (and those people should be shot in the head anyway), then they are paying for something free on the pc/ps3 web browser. But percentage wise I'm willing to bet its practically no one.
Mr. Manly ESC Mcbeefington Ferguson The Second @ Aug 27th 2009 7:25PM
Well that's the impression I got I didn't not know you guys use it otherwise I would have added "and the awesome people of joystiq" to avoid being downvote.
But yeah most of the people I seen who use twitter never say something funny or useful as for Faacebook somethings are worth checking but is like myspace for every fun page you have an endless ocean of pure mediocrity.
"I'm traffic,I wish I was home,this is no fun.One week is on the radio,I less than three that song".
nwskier @ Aug 28th 2009 2:36AM
And I'm sure anyone is going to get JUST for Twitter... are there that big of losers out there? This is just something already gold members will enjoy, and if you don't have gold membership with your xbox i really don't care how you feel about it. I fyou can't afford Gold membership, you can't afford to be spending money on video games period.
sc00by_y00 @ Aug 28th 2009 4:51AM
guilty fart, you might not pay the the internet charges at your house..
Generally you pay an isp to gain access to the internet, we all do it we all are charged for the bandwidth we use..
Its just pure insult to then be asked to pay for access to twitter and facebook its not like they are hosted by Microsoft all that app does is connect to facebook and twitter via the app rather than a browser, like everything else Microsoft is just milking its consumer base thiefing bastards
Solace (Only on PSN) @ Aug 27th 2009 6:13PM
wow so these are the "cool" features gold members can enjoy on LIVE..
"Social networking's the killer app, after all -- and Microsoft could use some new ammo in the console war."
A PS3 can do this all on its Web Browser for FREE.
MystileArmor @ Aug 27th 2009 6:15PM
Yeah, but in all fairness, some games will have facebook stuff integrated, so you can post your accomplishments online or something of that nature.
Either way.. why would you want facebook or twitter regardless? They're both annoying to be honest.
Mr. Manly ESC Mcbeefington Ferguson The Second @ Aug 27th 2009 6:17PM
Twitter can be fun just post stuff like:
Watchin Good Burger,Girllfriend pregnant,Falcon punch,problem solved.That's all.
Or
Oh man I'm in trouble,stupid word limit well I accidentaly the whole bottle, is it bad?
Solace (Only on PSN) @ Aug 27th 2009 6:17PM
I dont have either so I have no idea why theyre such a big deal
Shadowbender ( Sweatshop Supporter In Hiding) @ Aug 27th 2009 6:27PM
Personally, I don't feel comfortable with old, decrepit old men creepers staring at my picture and info online. Therefore, I don't buy in to either Facebook or Twitter.
And that, my friends, is a life lesson. ;)
Mr. Manly ESC Mcbeefington Ferguson The Second @ Aug 27th 2009 6:27PM
Facebook and Twitter are features used by people who are empty inside and have no true friends and it is also for stupid people who thinks someone cares about what they are doing on the summer.Think of it as the mentally challenged siblings of the blog.
I use it to get free stuff from companies who want to think they are being edgy by supporting said sites but the have limited the way you can contact other people to the point Youtube makes a better social network lol,if you ask me is ironic how a social netwrok promotes anti social behavior.
Badboy1979 @ Aug 27th 2009 6:28PM
While I think having a browser on the 360 for those who want it would be nice. Browsing facebook on a console browser and having an "app" integrated into the console's firmware is two largely totally different things.
For example, how many iPhone/Touch users that have the facebook app installed prefer to use the browser on said device to surf facebook.com instead? It makes things quicker and more user-friendly to use an interface that is specifically design for a service.
Aslo, having it integrated allows for tie-ins to gaming/media fuctions. For instance, if you just took a screenshot of something you did in game, you could upload it directly to your facebook account with a couple of buttons presses. Notice one of your friends is on Facebook chat and not on LIVE, then send them a game invite thru facebook. And etc, etc.
Solace (Only on PSN) @ Aug 27th 2009 6:29PM
same here I'd like to keep my personal life private. I dont know how people can put all that info about themselves in one place.
Smoke_me_a_Kipper @ Aug 27th 2009 6:35PM
Not quite same implementation.
Shadowbender ( Sweatshop Supporter In Hiding) @ Aug 27th 2009 6:36PM
I agree, Solace. It's actually quite stunning that people put THAT much info about themselves. I mean, you might as well post up your birth certificate.
Doug @ Aug 28th 2009 5:53PM
@Mr. Manly ESC Mcbeefington Ferguson The Second: Given your grammar and punctuation, I'm not at all suprised you think Youtube is a better social network. You fit right in with the majority of comments I see on there.
Night Elve @ Aug 27th 2009 7:19PM
@Mr. Manly
You see my good man I both use and rest assure that I've plenty friend with which I stay in touch via these two social networks.
And no man my life is not empty, well not that I know xD ...
Night Elve @ Aug 27th 2009 7:21PM
I use both***
Joystiq would not be nice to have a little edit button a la Digg.com :)
Maverick Saturn (Igor) @ Aug 27th 2009 7:30PM
Mr. Manly ESC Mcbeefington Ferguson The Second:
Yup, by that logic, I can see why you're a scientist, wait...no you're not.
I have facebook, and I'm far from empty inside, maybe thats because I actually have friends to socialise with and keep in touch with over the net, not our fault you have none, and don't blame facebook for your lack of social skills.
Solace (Only on PSN) @ Aug 27th 2009 7:49PM
I just stay with instant messengers, easy to use and simple
Mr. Manly ESC Mcbeefington Ferguson The Second @ Aug 27th 2009 9:19PM
II have facebook, and I'm far from empty inside,maybe thats because I actually have friends to socialise with and keep in touch with over the net, not our fault you have none, and don't blame facebook for your lack of social skills."
Since I know you I'm going (try) to spare you from the obligatory bitch slap but did I touch a nerve? Personal insults wow what are you 12?
With empty inside I mean uninteresting people that only post the usual about weather, work vacation, nothing a little bit substantial and oh I see…
It seems to me no one does nothing with facebook or twitter. C’mon and see my pictures and these links to the youtube video you probably already watched, fantastic /sarcasm.
I just don’t think it offers the interactivity it advertises, that’s all. I have other ways more fun to talk to my friends also I pretty much see them every weekend and I have them on other services. There is not a need to be a douchebag.
Also I do have a quite overwhelming amount of friends, is a pain to maintain contacts sometimes. I mean it pays off but is really hard to come up with the events and have everyone to have a good time, I guess I am a lazy leader.
Maverick Saturn (Igor) @ Aug 27th 2009 11:11PM
Mr. Manly ESC Mcbeefington Ferguson The Second
That argument makes no sense, the whole purpose of the internet is to communicate, to be enlightened and to be informed, social networking just makes that easier. Just because you can't find a suitable reason to use facebook, doesnt mean others can't. Its funny how you can find a reason to use the networking options on your console, but turn around and say that FB is for those with no soul or no real friends, in that case, by your logic, you still have no real friends because look, you're here communicating with us on Joystiq and I'm sure you do it in gaming. So, because you play games and communicate, does that mean you have no life, no soul? Because you're on here regularly talking to other gamers, does that mean you have no life, no soul? FB is the same, if you can find a purpose for using it, you will, regardless of who you can see on the weekend, I'd like to see my mates all the time too, but in the real world, when you are going to university, when you are working, theres no time for that, fb comes in useful, in the real world where texting and calling cost money, compared to fb which costs nothing, fb once again becomes useful, in the real world where you have to call each individual mate or text each one to organise something, fb once again comes in handy. As for the showing of links and pictures, how is that different to showing your acheivements and trophies, at least photos and videos are real so arent half as sad. If you're going to make flying statements, make sure it makes sense or there is a valid reason behind it.
Maverick Saturn (Igor) @ Aug 27th 2009 11:18PM
As for the general chit chat about the weather, your the first person I've heard complaining about fb and the weather, why would you add people who talk about nothing important? Thats like adding someone to XBL who doesnt play games but just sits and talks, should I abandon XBL because of that one person? Call the whole thing boring and just about fanboys comparing their achievement stats?
There is interaction, it just depends on who you are INTERACTING with and what interests you. Like I said, if you were really interested, you would have found a reason to use it, don't slam it just because you didn't
Mr. Manly ESC Mcbeefington Ferguson The Second @ Aug 28th 2009 2:19AM
Gee I was just trying to be funny with one of those social group critics the internet loves so much.
I didn't say everyone on facebook was a loser (that would be your head J/K) I said people was uninteresting and I didn't said the site was bad is just that is poorly used.
I didn't read your whole post because honestly it reads like a big text wall,really were you on RAGE mode while you typed that? I caugh some fury in your post like if you had a huge fury needle connected to your veins.
Also you were the one attacking me personally (And failed epicly) but since I don't see a peaceful resolution coming out of this yes I meant all the awful things you think I implies with even the ones I didn't even know were there and all the ones in your imagination,you have no soul,your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries now piss off before I taunt you a second time.
MystileArmor @ Aug 27th 2009 6:13PM
sucky sucky soldier boy, five dolla?
Hyams @ Aug 27th 2009 6:14PM
You'd make a great hooker.
DangerMouse @ Aug 27th 2009 6:17PM
Can't say I'm surprised. Microsoft usually attaches a price tag to everything.
FNG @ Aug 27th 2009 6:40PM
as does EVERY company that is not nonprofit...
DangerMouse @ Aug 27th 2009 7:05PM
Not exactly. It's good business to give certain features free to people that will attract new demographics or users to their console. Sony did it with Home. Would anyone really pay for Home, just to walk around pointlessly to play bowling with strangers? Probably some, but give it away for free and out of nowhere you've got morons buying $5.00 Santa costumes. Who has a 360 and doesn't have a PC/handheld device/whatever that can check twitter or facebook more conveniently without another monetary hurdle?
Obviously, Microsoft knows more than i do, but i think it'd be much more popular to have a brand new feature to attract a different xbox user base than attach it to something most online players already have or make non-online users fork over $50 for one feature. if they have to charge for it, why not make it a small amount, like 5 or 10 a year. At least that way it would seem less ridiculous to a casual 360 user.
Ashitaka @ Aug 27th 2009 7:11PM
@ FNG
I don't see Sony attaching a price tag to its online... Or its wi-fi...
solarshadows074 @ Aug 27th 2009 6:18PM
UGHHHhhhhhhhhh stupid microsoft and MEMBER CLASS. why cant they just remove the Sliver/Gold membership thing and just call it even to everyone.
David @ Aug 27th 2009 6:38PM
because it costs money to run dedicated servers for cross-game chat, to license netflix and skype tv, to run a massive video download service (that will soon be at 1080p), to have a dedicated staff of people who post videos almost daily with tips/guides/hints, to organize community playdates and bring celebrities on board for gaming, to license facebook, twitter, and last.fm, and more.
if you don't have any use for any of these features, fine, but don't act like you get nothing for a gold membership.
Shadowbender ( Sweatshop Supporter In Hiding) @ Aug 27th 2009 6:39PM
Heh, I think Major Nelson wakes up every morning laughing at the peasant Silver Members. Makes me want to teach that man a lesson.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Aug 27th 2009 10:50PM
It costs money to license Skype? That's funny, fring is free on the iPhone.
Also, I'm already paying Netflix money, why do I need to pay MS more money to access it? I can stream Netflix free to my Mac, PC or other devices. Why is it you have to subscribe a 360 to make it work?
Chris D.(PSN: Aggie_CEO | XBL:The Aggie CEO | Steam: Aggie_CEO @ Aug 27th 2009 6:18PM
Ross....
Hyams @ Aug 27th 2009 6:20PM
Do people really want these features? I mean - really?
I get watching movies, I get listening to music, I even get watching slide-shows of your photos, but for what conceivable reason do people want to be able to access Facebook and Twitter on their TVs for?
Apart from automated notices being posted that you've unlocked a new achievement (a feature that I imagine will be both pointless and annoying), why would you ever choose to use this over your PC/laptop?
Especially given that most people, y'know, don't have keyboards attached to their 360s, making typing messages rather difficult.
Badboy1979 @ Aug 27th 2009 6:58PM
While I'm not a big fan of twitter, I wouldn't mind having facebook integrated. I use it already to keep in touch and share pictures with all my friends I grew up with. While some of us are on XBL... alot more of them have facebook accounts. So the merging of the two is a welcomed feature for me and it'll be neat if I can send xbl invites thru facebook and post game screenshots to my albums.
My opinion, tho.
Maverick Saturn (Igor) @ Aug 27th 2009 7:42PM
Basically its the same old facebook but made specifically for 360, obviously that accounts for the smaller things such as trophies, achievements yadder yadder.