Microsoft have initiated phase 2 of their plan for world console domination by launching XBox live trials in Europe. Europeans who have broadband services available, will be able to buy the UKP 39.99 XBox Live add-on, and begin evaluating the service.
Microsoft plan to launch the full retail version of the service in March, 2003 but face stiff competition by rivals Sony, who also plan to release their own online service in the spring of 2003. The benefits of joining the testers are, according to Microsoft, the chance to get first picks on your tag-name and, most importantly, the fact that your 12 month subscription will begin counting down when the service launches in March
Europe will be a very important test for Microsoft for a variety of reasons. Europe has an already well established PS2 user base, suggesting that Microsoft will not only be content by selling the Live kits but will also have to increase console sales in order to reach an adequate number of European subscribers. Europe also faces the broadband issue. With broadband coverage not as widespread in Europe as it is in the states, Microsoft's broadband only policy will be severely tested, especially when Sony will be offering a 56k adapter.
Europe will also be important as a stepping stone towards Microsoft's Japanese dreams, since they will be relying on success in order to better hype their entry in to Sony's home turf.
The link to Microsoft's UK web site, which sells the XBox Live kit, can be found by following the download tab above.
