Speculations suggest that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) will possibly get rid of its existing virtual currency payment system, used by Windows 8 users to purchase digital contents.
A report from the Verge cited that the writer was able to buy music and rent movies in the Xbox Video Store using a credit card in the final copy of the Windows 8 operating system. The writer of the report noted that Xbox video store’s default payment system is now credit card. The system still allows users to pay for the product they bought using the virtual currency (80 points is equivalent to $1).
The change led bloggers in the technology industry to believe of the possibility that the software giant will ultimately phase out the virtual currency system, because of the controversy. Microsoft’s virtual point system received criticism because of the fact that users tend to buy more points than they need at a given time, wherein the excess points are generally not enough for them to buy other products.
Users buy arcade games, gamer tag pictures, and other digital contents available in the Xbox Live and Zune Marketplace, using the Microsoft points. Many are oftentimes confused in converting the points and computing the actual cost of a particular product in the actual dollar currency.
In January, the search giant started accepting actual cash payments on certain items, such as Xbox 360 Games on Demand and Windows Phone mobile apps, due to consumer criticisms. Microsoft’s decision allowed the company’s business segment to operate in line with the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s App Store and Sony’s PlayStation Network, which both use real currency in their payment system.
According to reports, if Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) would eventually phase out its virtual currency payment system, it would end confusion among consumers when buying digital contents. Tech bloggers are guessing that Microsoft would phase out the virtual currency payment system by the end of 2012.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) did not provide any comment regarding the speculations. The software engine giant is expected to launch its Windows Phone 8 on October 29 during an event in San Francisco.
