Microsoft to offer post-paywall removal refunds on Xbox LIVE Gold membership

Yesterday, Microsoft made quite a splash in announcing a complete overhaul of its Xbox LIVE Gold service. Perhaps the biggest change is the removal of Xbox's entertainment app paywall. Under the new changes coming in a June update, you will no longer be required to hold an Xbox LIVE Gold membership to access the many entertainment apps offered on Xbox One and Xbox 360. For those of you who previously purchased a Gold subscription for this exact reason, you will be offered an opportunity for a refund.

According to the Xbox LIVE FAQ, "Xbox Live Gold members who purchased a paid membership before [the update] can cancel and receive a pro-rata refund of any unused remaining days between the date of cancellation and the date their paid Gold membership ends."

"Cancellation and pro-rata refund requests must be made by August 31, 2014 and require six to eight weeks for processing. Free or trial Gold memberships are not eligible for a refund," the statement continues. Once the update goes live in June, you can request a refund here.

It should be noted, however, that Xbox LIVE Gold is still required to play games online with Xbox One and Xbox 360. Yesterday, Microsoft also announced a Kinect-less Xbox One for $399.