Microsoft could drop Gold requirement for media apps

Microsoft is planning to drop the Xbox Live Gold requirement for media streaming apps on the Xbox One and Xbox 360, according to reports.

Arstechnica claims to have heard from sources that apps like Netflix, Hulu and others will be lifted from the paywall and become accessible to all users.

Currently you have to have an active Gold account to be able to access Netflix and other services.

The move would bring the Xbox One and Xbox 360 in line with other consoles like the PS4, PS3, Wii U and Wii, which also don't need a subscription to access the apps.

Users would still have to pay their own subscription charges for services like Netflix, and the announcement is expected to come at E3 next month.

Finally, the report also claims that upcoming TV shows from Xbox Entertainment could be placed behind the paywall instead.