Microsoft Xbox cutting access to paid content

Xbox Fitness was an application that was introduced along with the Xbox One back in 2013.  As one of the primary apps for use with the Kinect 3D camera, it was given particular emphasis by Microsoft at the introduction of the console.  But that has all ended.  Microsoft has stepped back from the Kinect, with it no longer part of the standard Xbox One bundle, and now they have announced that the app is going to end as well, with a "sunset" period  for those who have bought it or the extensions to the program.

Xbox-Fitness-Screen-9

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As of yesterday, no one can purchase the Xbox Fitness app, nor any of the extensions.  If you have paid for content in the past, you will have just over one year to use the program, for on July 27, 2017, all access to the online servers will be cut off.  You won't be able to use the content you have purchased, nor download the Xbox Fitness app again for any reason.

There were 30 workout routines that were made available for free to any Xbox Gold member, but access to those will stop on December 15, 2016.

This is just another cautionary tale to those who purchase content dependent on servers controlled by the company you buy from.  Gamers are becoming inured to their games going offline, but, as you can see, this lack of control over what you purchase can also apply to applications or media.  The reaction from their customers has been entirely negative, but this will probably not influence Microsoft.  They have not announced any type of refund for purchases.

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You can read the announcement here.

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