Microsoft has become the first major tech company to accept Bitcoin payments for digital content. Xbox games, Windows apps, music, movies, and more can be bought with the digital currency, but the option is only available to customers living in the U.S. for now.
Windows, Windows Phone, Xbox Games, Xbox Music, and Xbox Video stores are all accepting Bitcoin payments now for a wealth of digital content. First, you must add funds to your Microsoft account using Bitcoin, then make your purchases; you cannot pay with Bitcoin directly at this time.
You also cannot use Bitcoin to pay for certain services or subscriptions — such as Office 365.
Most Bitcoin transactions should be processed immediately, but Microsoft warns that they could take up to two hours. The company also notes that any funds added to your account using Bitcoin cannot be refunded.
The surprise move comes just months after Microsoft integrated Bitcoin currency conversion into its Bing search engine. It’s unclear whether the company plans to bring Bitcoin support to other countries, but it’ll likely be some time before we see a wide rollout.
Nevertheless, this is a pretty significant move from one of the biggest names in the industry.