Live Anywhere

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Live Anywhere is an initiative by Microsoft to bring the Live online gaming and entertainment network to a wide variety of platforms and devices, including Xbox, Xbox 360, Windows XP/Vista, Windows Mobile, Zune, and more.

Contents

[edit] Live-enabled Platforms

Platform Launch Service Name
Xbox November 15, 2002 Xbox Live
Xbox 360 November 22, 2005 Xbox Live
Windows PCs May 22, 2007 Games for Windows - Live
Windows Mobile TBA TBA
Zune November 13, 2007 (beta) Zune Social

The mobile device side of the service has been shown in concept at events such as E3 and CES on devices like a Motorola Q mobile phone, but specific details have not been released.

Live Gamertags are also used for the XNA Creator's Club service.

[edit] Features

  • Single identity (Gamertag/Zune Tag) across all platforms (tied to Windows Live ID)
  • Cross-platform chat, with both text and voice
  • Unified friends list and message system
  • Single, worldwide currency for purchasing virtual games, music, videos and content (Microsoft Points)
  • Cross-platform multiplayer online gaming, including game invites

[edit] Pricing

Live is available in two tiers: Silver and Gold. Anybody who signs up to Live is given a Silver account, which offers a basic set of features that differ with each platform. Gold accounts require a subscription, but offer a greater variety of features.

Country 1 Month 3 Months 12 Months
Europe € 6.99 € 19.99 € 59.99
United Kingdom £4.99 £14.99 £39.99
Australia AU$ 10.95 AU$ 29.95 AU$ 79.95
Sweden SEK 60 SEK 179 SEK 549
USA $7.99 $19.99 $49.99
Japan ¥819 ¥2079 ¥5229

Subscriptions can be bought online through Xbox.com, through the Live interface on Xbox 360 and Games for Windows - Live, or through Xbox Live prepaid cards at retail. Subscriptions work across all supported platforms, for example signing up for a Gold account on Xbox Live gives you Gold features on Games for Windows - Live as well.

The original Xbox does not recognize Silver accounts, requiring Gold for all Live features.

Zune Social does not have two tiers, the service is free to all users.

[edit] Availability

Live is currently available in 37 countries, with more being brought online over time.

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[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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