Despite reports surfacing over the weekend that software giant Microsoft is drawing back its support for bitcoin payments, its website is still processing and crediting bitcoin payments.
A notice posted by the tech giant said that its Microsoft Store online shop was not accepting bitcoin, with the policy applying to Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile in particular.
"You can no longer redeem bitcoin into your Microsoft account," the page states. "Existing balances in your account will still be available for purchases from Microsoft Store, but can’t be refunded."
Microsoft made significant waves in late 2014 when it began accepting bitcoin in its online content marketplace by way of payments processor BitPay, which takes the bitcoin payment and credits it to Microsoft. The company had stressed that it was not accepting the digital currency directly, but rather allowing it as an option for adding funds for purchasing Windows, Windows Phone and Xbox content.
The apparent move to cut out bitcoin payments sparked headlines from publications such as PC World , TechCrunch and The Verge that the tech company was giving the digital currency the boot.
Yet, in practice, Microsoft is still allowing users to send in bitcoin to add funds to their user account, which can then be spent on Windows 10, Windows 10 Mobile and Xbox products. Still taking payments
A customer service representative for Microsoft told CoinDesk that users can still send in bitcoin to add funds to their Microsoft account, and from that point can use those funds to purchase items.
The representative added that their support office has received no official word about the policy change, suggesting that a formal statement could be forthcoming – as well as clarification on the exact policy regarding bitcoin payments.Notably, Microsoft appears to be classifying bitcoin payments it receives as "prepaid card" payments. CoinDesk […]
