Microsoft has started to remove its Points payments system as the default way to pay for music downloads and movie rentals or purchases in Windows 8. The recent change affects the way Windows 8 users will pay for digital content in the operating system. Previously, in Windows 8 betas, Microsoft used its Points system for all Video purchases and rentals.
Microsoft Points phased out in favor of cash in Windows 8
Is this the end of Microsoft’s controversial virtual currency?
Is this the end of Microsoft’s controversial virtual currency?
is a senior correspondent and author of Notepad, who has been covering all things Microsoft, PC, and tech for over 20 years.
The controversial currency for Xbox Live and the Zune Marketplace has been widely used across the Xbox 360 to purchase Xbox Live Arcade games, gamertag pictures, and other downloadable content. The system means users have to purchase bundles of points that equate to 80 Microsoft Points for every $1. In our own testing in the final copy of Windows 8, we are now able to pay for music or purchase and rent movies in the Xbox Video store by using a credit card. You’re still able to use Microsoft Points, but the store defaults to credit card transactions. A welcome change from the confusion of having to convert Microsoft Points to currency in order to assess the true cost of a rental or purchase.
We have reached out to Microsoft for comment on the change and we'll update you accordingly. Xbox 360 consoles appear to still be using the Microsoft Points system for now, but the change on the Windows 8 side will likely make its way to the Xbox with a dashboard update due later this month.
Update: Microsoft has now confirmed our report, revealing that Microsoft Points will remain for Xbox 360 purchases.
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