Fancy trying ESPN on your Xbox 360? Or maybe you just want to watch YouTube videos. Microsoft's console has a number of entertainment apps, making it one of the most versatile media boxes for the living room. Unfortunately, all of these services, whether they're paid (a la Netflix) or free (a la Crackle) require a subscription to Xbox Live Gold.

So what if you're not willing to shell out $60 a year for Gold services? Microsoft is hoping to change your mind with its new "Entertainment Unlocked" promotion.

In the US, these are the apps that will be unlocked, starting Thursday, April 19th:

• CinemaNow
  
• Crackle
  
• Dailymotion
  
• EPIX
  
• ESPN
  
• HBO GO
  
• Hulu Plus
  
• iHeartRadio
  
• Last.fm
  
• MSN
  
• Netflix
  
• Syfy
  
• TMZ
  
• TODAY
  
• UFC
  
• Verizon
  
• VEVO
  
• Vudu
  
• Xfinity TV on Demand
  
• YouTube
  

Note that while all these apps are "unlocked," some have additional requirements, such as subscribing to a specific cable provider. Some services, like Netflix and Hulu Plus will offer free one month trials upon access--assuming you haven't previously received a trial.

The promotion ends on Monday, April 23rd, and unlike previous Gold free weekends, online multiplayer will not be enabled for non-Gold accounts.

http://www.shacknews...rs-this-weekend

The thing I don't get about these apps honestly is that most of them are free if I use them on a computer...

That's been MS' vision for a long time now. To make your 360 your media hub for all entertainment. Wish they'd focus on games more. Not new consoles and not apps. Seems sometimes like they're treating it like a smart phone.

That's been MS' vision for a long time now. To make your 360 your media hub for all entertainment. Wish they'd focus on games more. Not new consoles and not apps. Seems sometimes like they're treating it like a smart phone.

Same thing they're doing with Windows 8. Making it all about apps.

Can't wait till that industry term gets 'old' and made fun of.

What an apptastic list.

I hate the appification going on with technology these days. Windows 8 looks horrid.

Wait....youtube is gold only? LOL. I think my gold runs out in a month or 2, not gonna bother getting it again.

I'm pretty sure I've never used any of these applications. I don't use my xbox nearly enough for even games. Not sure when I had it on last for that matter.