Microsoft today announced a much more simplified Xbox Live offer, once the Xbox 360 is out this holiday. There will be two levels of service, Silver and Gold, with Silver available to any Xbox 360 owner. Everyone will get the possibility to upgrade to Gold (via the Xbox Live Dashboard) for just £39.99 a year, £14.99 for three months or £4.99 for one month. The most important change is that credit cards will be no longer required, as you'll be able to purchase 12-month Xbox Live subscription cards via cash or other payment methods at any participating retail store. Xbox 360 will launch this Christmas season in Europe, Japan and North America, to be followed by availability in Australia, Colombia, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan in 2006.