Microsoft is well known for giving us products such as the Edge web browser and the Bing search engine. But some people are just finding that the software giant is happy to pay users to use its services, such as offering Minecraft “Minecoins” to users making the transition – a marketing tactic that seems to target young audiences.
Making money using Edge or Bing is not a new thing – Microsoft Awards are offered for several years and reward users with points for using the products for a long time.
Right now Microsoft Rewards site (opens in new tab) it is claimed that you can earn five points for searching on Bing, and these points can then be exchanged for other rewards such as gift cards or vouchers for various retailers such as Starbucks or Amazon.
This isn’t even the first time Microsoft has tried to use games to entice Windows 10 and Windows 11 users jump because points can be exchanged for Xbox gift cards, Game Pass Ultimate and even other in-game currencies such as “Robux” Roblox, and it’s worth noting that Microsoft’s awards have for some time offered Minecraft-related content.
Reddit u / TrueTech0 user posted a screenshot of the marketing box on the PCMR forum, which shows that in this case you will be rewarded with 330 Minecoins if you join the reward program and use Bing on Edge Browser for five days.
microsoft_are_literally_paying_you_to_use_edge from r / pcmasterrace
These “Minecoins” are used to purchase custom content on Minecraft Marketbut only if you are using the Bedrock version of the game. For Java users you can Free fashion for the game with online downloadsomething Bedrock users can’t do, but Bedrock has several advantages – namely beam tracing capabilities and lower system requirements.
This also means that the player base in Bedrock is usually younger than on Java servers, given that the game will run approximately on anything. But while marketing programs for kids who use currencies in the app seem like an immediate red flag, there’s a gray area for it all. After all, many adults also play Minecraft and Roblox, but it’s hard to see that kids who don’t have access to real money to buy in-game currency won’t like it.
Data is the girl’s best friend
Microsoft isn’t trying to sell these awards to kids like some fierce supervillain – marketing is ultimately marketing, and it doesn’t stop when it comes to children’s interests, as we see from other industry ads, from porridge and fast food to YouTube channels.
However, the question arises: what does Microsoft get from claiming market share for the free service? The answer is really simple – it’s information.
Your data is valuable, so it’s no surprise that companies like Google and Microsoft are so eager to retain users, but it’s unlikely that this type of marketing is infamous, even if it seems morally ambiguous. Google Chrome also collects some of your data, like almost every other web browser, unless you find a specialized to prevent this from happening, or disable data synchronization in settings where possible.
Younger children may also not have the technical skills to follow the on-screen instructions to make the switch. But given how quickly they can figure out how to use the devices, I wouldn’t say it’s partly prevention – I remember exactly how I set up a proxy to access flash games on my school computers when I was barely has reached puberty, and Microsoft easily guides you by switching you should read any of its marketing materials.
Probably nothing to worry about
However, I’m not daring to malign Microsoft for any of this because it doesn’t really go beyond what its competitors are doing in terms of data collection – the only difference is that you can get something in return. perhaps for free if you don’t believe your data has any value.
Microsoft rewards are only available to U.S. residents (excluding Puerto Rico), but if you’re happy to install the Edge web browser and set the default search engine on Bing, you can earn a modest amount of money (as a voucher) simply by using your device. as usual.
If you allow younger children to access your personal devices, make sure you have filters or parental settings, as Bing is well known as the preferred search browser … an adult content, and these rewards will be linked to your personal Microsoft account.
There’s an added benefit that Edge is actually a fantastic web browser these days, especially if you’re switching from Chrome – they both work on Chrome so they support many of the same extensions, and Edge doesn’t take up as much of your memory.
Just remember it is a personal choice best browsers and search engines you set, so don’t let Microsoft’s harsh marketing tactics push you towards something if you don’t want to make money at some point.
https://www.techradar.com/news/wait-is-microsoft-tempting-kids-away-from-chrome-with-minecraft-money/
