Microsoft is using In-game money to attract young players.
Microsoft is well known for putting items like its Edge web browser and Bing search engine right under our noses. However, some people are just now realizing that Microsoft Office 365 company is willing to pay consumers to utilize its services. In this effort, the company is paying Minecraft ‘Minecoins’ to users who switch to Microsoft from the Google workspace search engine. It is a marketing strategy that appears to target a younger demographic.
Getting paid to use Edge or Bing isn’t a new concept. Microsoft Rewards has been available for a few years and awards customers with points for using the service for a longer period.
Right present, the Microsoft Rewards website indicates that you may earn five points for every Bing search. These rewards can then be redeemed for other rewards including gift cards or vouchers for Starbucks or Amazon.
This isn’t the first time Microsoft has tried to use gaming to attract Windows 10 and Windows 11 users to switch. As points can be exchanged for Xbox gift cards, Game Pass Ultimate, and even other in-game money like Roblox’s ‘Robux. It’s worth noting that Microsoft rewards is promoting Minecraft-related information for some time.
Users vouched that by using the rewards program on the Edge browser for five days, you’ll receive 330 Minecoins.
These ‘Minecoins’ are used to purchase custom content on the Minecraft Marketplace if you play it in Bedrock mode. Java players could edit the game for free through internet downloads, but Bedrock users cannot. However, Bedrock offers a few benefits like the raytracing feature and reduced system requirements.
This also implies that Bedrock’s user demographic is younger than that of Java servers as the game’s ability to run on virtually any platform. The idea of in-app currency for minors appears to be a questionable notion as many adults play this game. Minors want to play this game as they don’t have access to real-world money to make in-app purchases.
Data is girls’ best friend
However, Microsoft is not attempting to market these rewards to children in the manner of a rampant supervillain. Marketing is part of business, and it doesn’t stop them when it comes to children’s interests. As we can see from other industry advertisements, ranging from cereal and fast food to YouTube.
But it begs the question: what does Microsoft benefit by claiming market share on a free service? The answer is actually quite simple: information.
Your data is important, so it’s not surprising that companies like Google and Microsoft are so focused on keeping clients. This type of marketing is unlikely to be malicious in any manner, even if it feels ethically dubious. Google Chrome, like every other web browser, collects some of your data unless you stop data syncing in the settings.
Children lack the technical abilities required to follow on-screen directions to make the change. But, given how quickly they learn how to use devices, I don’t think that’s much of a preventative measure.
It’s probably nothing to worry about
Still, I’m hesitant to blame Microsoft for anything because it’s not going above and beyond what its rivals are doing in terms of data gathering. The only difference is that you will get something in return for free if your data hasn’t any value.
Microsoft rewards are only available to residents of the United States (except Puerto Rico). If you’re willing to install the Edge web browser and change your default search engine to Bing, you may earn a small quantity of money simply by using your device as usual.
There’s also the added bonus that Edge is a terrific web browser these days. Especially if you’re switching from Chrome as they both run on Chromium. So, they support many of the same extensions, and Edge doesn’t take up as much RAM.
Remember that it is entirely up to you which of the finest browsers and search engines you install. So don’t have to be intimidated by Microsoft’s aggressive marketing techniques. Unless you intend to get paid at some time.
