Microsoft starts support for bitcoins

Microsoft has started supporting bitcoin payments with Microsoft accounts. US users can indirectly purchase apps and games from the stores for Windows, Windows Phone, Xbox Games, Xbox Music, and Xbox Video.

For the time being, support is limited to American owners of a Microsoft account and it is also not possible to pay directly for apps and games with bitcoins. “You can only use bitcoins to add money to your Microsoft account,” Microsoft said. The group also explains how to add money via bitcoins for users of desktops and smartphones.

Microsoft is partnering with BitPay, bitcoin’s largest payment processor, for the option. While implementation is still limited at the moment, Microsoft’s support represents a big step for crypto in general and bitcoin in particular as a growing means of payment. Big names that previously announced support for bitcoins are PayPal and Newegg. In October, former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates announced that bitcoin technology will play a key role, Cryptocoinsnews wrote.