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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 Phone 7, Zune, and more.

Live-enabled Platforms[]

Platform Launch Service Name
Xbox (discontinued on April 15, 2010) November 15, 2001 Xbox Live
Xbox 360 November 22, 2005 Xbox Live
Windows May 22, 2007 Games for Windows – Live
Windows Phone 7 Holiday 2010 Xbox Live
Zune 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.

Since then, Microsoft has unveiled its next generation mobile platform, Windows Phone 7. Microsoft plans on being more aggressive with mobile Xbox Live-connected games by strictly controlling the phone hardware that Windows Phone 7 runs on, and enabling DirectX 9 graphics for Windows Phone 7, the same version of Direct X that the Xbox 360 uses.

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

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

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 $10.95 $29.95 $79.95 Free Free
Sweden kr60 kr179 kr549 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. (discontinued on April 15, 2010)

Zune Social does not have two tiers, the service is free to all users, though there is a Zune Pass "all-you-can-eat"-style music subscription service that costs $14.99.

Availability[]

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

See also[]

External links[]

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