Microsoft Points Snub in Windows 8 Hints at Xbox 360 Phase-Out
No longer mandatory.
Microsoft's new operating system, Windows 8, will allow users to pay for digital content - music, games and movies - using a credit card, instead of the mandatory use of Microsoft Points. The move could see a similar, long-awaited, phasing out of the virtual currency on Xbox 360.
The Verge has had a good go on a new build of the upcoming operating system, and noted that - unlike the Beta - Microsoft has an option for users to pay for content using real money transactions, alongside the ability to continue to pay using Microsoft Points.
Although only Windows 8 is affected by this change right now, it plays into a report from earlier this year that states that Microsoft is keen to phase out the virtual currency in its entirety, including Windows Phone devices, Zune Marketplace and Xbox Live. This would, apparently, include the Xbox 360 by design, as Microsoft attempts to converge all of its platforms and devices under one big, friendly user interface.
The company did alter the price of some small Xbox Live Marketplace items into regional currency a while back, but later changed it back and said that the changes were made "in error". In error, Microsoft, or in preparation? What do you guys think?
The Verge has had a good go on a new build of the upcoming operating system, and noted that - unlike the Beta - Microsoft has an option for users to pay for content using real money transactions, alongside the ability to continue to pay using Microsoft Points.
Although only Windows 8 is affected by this change right now, it plays into a report from earlier this year that states that Microsoft is keen to phase out the virtual currency in its entirety, including Windows Phone devices, Zune Marketplace and Xbox Live. This would, apparently, include the Xbox 360 by design, as Microsoft attempts to converge all of its platforms and devices under one big, friendly user interface.
The company did alter the price of some small Xbox Live Marketplace items into regional currency a while back, but later changed it back and said that the changes were made "in error". In error, Microsoft, or in preparation? What do you guys think?
Companies:
Microsoft
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