Microsoft are selling the Xbox Live starter kits (which include an Xbox Live Voice Communicator headset, used to chat both in and out of games, Starter Disc with 2 game demos - Moto GP and Mech Assault, and a 12 month subscription to the Xbox Live service) for AU$99.95 on top of the Xbox console.
Xbox Live is available to broadband subscribers on all ISPs, and allows Xbox users to access the Xbox Live site, search for other players and set up a tournament.
"Today is an exciting day for us. Xbox Live has turned the Xbox into the first truly interactive home entertainment system," said Alan Bowman, general manager Xbox Asia Pacific. "It's a killer application for broadband that is simple and allows you to share time with friends and an instant community - without the constraints of borders. Joining the half a million strong Live community is as simple as purchasing an Xbox Starter kit and connecting your Xbox to your broadband connection."
The broadband connection may be the killer for Australian gamers. According to the BigPond Web site, data transferred when using the Xbox Live service will be included in the monthly allowance. Microsoft told ZDNet Australia there had not yet been an official announcement on how the data to Xbox Live would be charged. They also estimate 30 hours of gaming would use 500 MB of data.
That's all well and good if you can get broadband! I've been trying to get ADSL for 2 years now, and Telstra (our communications monopoly) aren't the slightest bit interested.
I know they have the technology to get me ADSL, but do you think I can get them to use it?
I wish a company with the clout of Microsoft could help people like me to get the services we want to use a service like Live. I'd gladly buy an Xbox then!