Buy Apps And Games With Bitcoins at Microsoft Windows And Xbox Store, Because Now You Can

By Kamal Nayan - 11 Dec '14 13:20PM

Microsoft will be accepting Bitcoin as a payment option on Windows and Xbox stores. Users will be able to use their Bitcoins to add credit to their Microsoft account and buy apps and games for their devices.

Microsoft will partner with Bitcoin payment processor BitPay to accept the cryptocurrency.

For Microsoft, the integration might simplify international payment processing.

"They're a global company," said BitPay cofounder and executive chairman Tony Gallippi.

"People are using their products and operating system in many parts of the world that don't have credit card penetration. It's difficult for many consumers to actually be able to put money in their Microsoft accounts."

Microsoft joins the likes of Newegg and Dell and is so far the largest company to support Bitcoin. Legal status of Bitcoin as a currency is yet to be established and the volatile exchange rate has shied other companies away from accepting it.

This is not the first time Microsoft has shown a soft corner for Bitcoin. In February, Bing search engine started showing Bitcoin price conversion. Bill Gates, in an interview supported Bitcoins saying that "Bitcoin is better than currency."

The currency has become comparatively stable though it had a hectic 2013 and early 2014. According to data, in two month period, the value went from the low $100 range per Bitcoin in October to nearly $1000 in November.