Xbox Live Gold free from 20-23rd April: 10 apps you must try

The Gadget Show  Thursday 19 April 2012

Microsoft has unlicked the gates to its Xbox Live Gold subscription service, letting millions of Xbox 360 owners access 14 of its entertainment apps free-off-charge from 20-23 April. Online film streaming service Netflix included. It’s an exciting chance to try out what the Xbox 360’s entertainment skills are made of. To help you take advantage, here are ten of the apps you should try first.


Halo 4 landing 6 November, Master Chief is back


From catching up on the latest episodes of The Gadget Show to viewing the wackiest, weirdest and most wonderful videos from the web: Xbox Live’s range of apps provide plenty of entertainment to fill your eyes with films and your ears with music. Here are the ten we recommend checking out first.

Demand 5

First on your must-watch hitlist should be Demand 5: where you can catch up on all the Channel 5 content you may have missed. Where else will you be able to catch up on the new Gadget Show World Tour episodes. 



Netflix 


Netflix is the newest big name film streaming services on the block. Its massive catalogue of films and TV shows make it one of the first apps you must try out if you’re a new customer. From popular hits to cult classics: the Netflix library is never short of something popcorn-worthy.

LOVEFiLM

Netflix’ main rival LOVEFiLM goes big on popular hit flicks, packing its catalogue with recognizable sofa fare, top TV shows and more. This free trial should give a juicy taster of what to expect.

Sky

If you’re a Sky subscriber you’ll be able to catch up on on-demand Sky content and live sports. It’s the best way to conveniently watch Sky TV in your bedroom and living room.

YouTube

Sure, you can view YouTube on your desktop, but watching it on your Xbox 360 is so much better. How else are you going to watch hilarious cat videos on the big screen?

Last/FM


The bigger screen compared to the desktop app gives you more room to navigate the plentiful music choices on offer here that help you to discover new music, connect with friends and fellow Xbox Live users view gaming-inspired tags.

4oD


The 4oD app is the app to try out for quirky and interesting documentaries you may have previously missed. There’s plenty of choice on offer here, and it’s better than catching up huddled around a smaller PC or laptop monitor. 


Crackle

If it is cult films and old classics you are looking for check out Crackle. There might be a few stinkers (Street Fighter, starring Jean Claude Van Damme anyone?) but among them you’ll find cool flicks such as Kung Fu Hustle and TV shows such as Spider-Man: The New Animated Series.

MUZU TV

This music site lets users watch and share their favourite music videos. If you like what you see you can create a personalised music TV channel for yourself and others to enjoy.

VEVO

Like YouTube and MUZU TV VEVO lets you watch music videos from a selection of artists, create playlists and share videos through Facebook. A neat bit of functionality also lets you link a VEVO profile with your Xbox 360 profile.

Which apps will you be trying out first?