Microsoft now accepts Bitcoin for purchase of Windows, Windows Phone & Xbox

Microsoft has now provided its users with an opportunity to make online payments from Windows, Windows Phone & Xbox using bitcoin. The software maker quietly started supporting the digital currency earlier this week, months after adding a Bitcoin currency converter to its Bing search engine. Bitcoin can be used to fund a Microsoft Account, allowing owners to purchase content from the Windows and Xbox games, music, and video stores. While Bitcoin can be added to a Microsoft Account balance, it cannot be used to purchase services like Office 365. It's a surprise move from Microsoft, and it's one of the first big tech companies to support Bitcoin fully — beating rivals Apple and Google. Microsoft is integrating BitPay to process Bitcoin transactions, and any money added through Bitcoin cannot be refunded.Neither Microsoft nor Bitpay have formally announced the partnership or details, but the former does have a series of instructions related to bitcoin payments within its ‘billing help’ pages. Bitcoin for Microsoft Accounts is limited to the US right now, and it’s not clear if Microsoft plans to roll out this option to additional countries in the future. Many Bitcoin enthusiasts appear to be impressed with Microsoft’s support of the virtual currency, with some commenting on Reddit that the move is "pretty huge."