Streaming services may move out from behind the Xbox Live paywall

Ars Technica is reporting that multiple sources within Microsoft have told them that streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu may soon be accessible on Xbox Live without a Gold membership. This would bring the Xbox entertainment service features more in-line with Sony and Nintendo’s console offerings which do not require a paid subscription to their respective services to access third party media apps.

“According to our sources, Xbox 360 and Xbox One users will soon no longer need a paid subscription to Xbox Live Gold to access Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming media apps.”

Some of the reports mention that the upcoming E3 conference is the probable venue for the official unveiling of the policy change. Microsoft’s pre-E3 press conference is scheduled for 9:30 AM on June 9th.

UPDATE: This has been confirmed by Microsoft.