Microsoft has reversed the course on Bitcoin after previously announcing on its support page that the company will no longer accept it as a payment menthod for some of its Windows products. The American multi-national company apologized, admitting it was only a mistake.
According to Venture Beat, it was in December 2014 when Microsoft added Bitcoin as a payment option, courtesy of Bitcoin processor BitPay, for a variety of its gaming and mobile content. But on Saturday, a simple message titled "Microsoft Store doesn't accept Bitcoin" was spotted on Microsoft's website. Some of its patrons and tech enthusiasts interpreted that the support for the digital currency had ended. Nevertheless, Microsoft has clarified it with an explanation that it was all a mistake.
The message that appeared on the Microsoft's support page states "You can no longer redeem Bitcoin into your Microsoft account. Existing balances in your account will still be available for purchases from Microsoft Store, but can't be refunded." It basically applies to Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile, suggesting that maybe Bitcoin support would continue for other platforms.
Recently, Geek Wire noted that company has corrected it as Microsoft Corporation issued a statement this afternoon, saying "We continue to support Bitcoin for adding money to your Microsoft Account which can be used for purchasing content in the Windows and Xbox stores. We apologize for inaccurate information that was inadvertently posted to a Microsoft site, which is currently being corrected." Additionally, a Microsoft spokesperson also confirmed that the Windows Store has and will continue to accept Bitcoin.
For reference, ZDNet stated that the Bitcoin service allows users to trade in the crypto currency at the going market value via third-party Bitcoin payment processor BitPay, and add the equivalent value to the customers' Microsoft accounts. Nonetheless, this payment option is limited to customers in the United States.
In 2014, Microsoft Universal Store Corporate Vice President Eric Lockard stated that "For us, this is about giving people options and helping them do more on their devices and in the cloud". He added that the use of digital currencies such as Bitcoin, while not yet mainstream, is growing beyond the early enthusiasts. The company also expects this growth to continue, and allowing people to use Bitcoin to acquire Microsoft's products and services now allows the American tech giant to be at the front edge of that trend.
