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/7, Windows Mobile, Zune, and more.
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[edit] Live-enabled Platforms
| Platform | Launch | Service Name |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox | November 15, 2002 | Xbox LIVE |
| Xbox 360 | November 22, 2005 | Xbox LIVE |
| Windows | May 22, 2007 | Games for Windows - LIVE |
| Windows Mobile | TBA | TBA |
| Zune | November 13, 2007 (as a beta service); September 16, 2008 | 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 | Games for Windows - Live | Zune Social |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europe | € 6.99 | € 19.99 | € 59.99 | Free | Free |
| United Kingdom | £4.99 | £14.99 | £39.99 | Free | Free |
| Australia | AU$ 10.95 | AU$ 29.95 | AU$ 79.95 | Free | Free |
| Sweden | SEK 60 | SEK 179 | SEK 549 | Free | Free |
| USA | $7.99 | $19.99 | $49.99 | Free | Free |
| Japan | ¥819 | ¥2079 | ¥5229 | Free | Free |
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, though there is a Zune Pass all-you-can-eat music subscription service that costs $14.99.
[edit] Availability
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Live is currently available in 37 countries, with more being brought online over time.
- Austria
- Australia
- Belgium
- Canada
- China
- Chile
- Czech Republic
- Colombia
- Denmark
- El Salvador
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Ireland
- India
- Italy
- Japan
- South Korea
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Philippines
- Portugal
- Puerto Rico
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sri Lanka
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Venezuela
- Zimbabwe
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Zune Social
- ExtremeTech article describing Live Anywhere concept
- Video of a Live client running on a mobile device
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