Xbox Live Gold goodies this October

If you’ve been thinking about becoming an Xbox Live Gold member, then let Microsoft help you make the decision. Xbox Live Gold games and apps will be unlocked and be accessible to everyone on the Xbox 360 for free this weekend from October 4 to 6.

Meanwhile, existing Xbox Live Gold members are in for a treat as well. From October 1 to 15, the game Might & Magic Clash of Heroes will be available for free and then from the 16^th to the end of the month, Halo 3 will be up for free download.

Microsoft swaps points for money on the Xbox

It’s almost here. Your transactions on the Xbox will soon make use of your local currency instead of Microsoft Points. After the next Xbox 360 system update arrives and you redeem a Points card or code or initiate a purchase, Microsoft will place into your account the amount of the currency equal to or greater than the marketplace value of your Points. You can then use these funds to make your purchase from your choice Xbox stores or even the Windows Phone Store on Windows Phone 8.

You can check your current Microsoft Points balance here. If you have more questions about this transition, you can check the Points FAQ page.