Microsoft Bribes Users To Choose ‘Edge’ And ‘Bing’ Via Reward Points

In its campaign to make its “Edge” internet browsing software and “Bing” search engine site the premiere choices of users when surfing the net, Microsoft’s latest attempt involves bribes. Specifically, the company will reward users with points that can then be exchanged for actual stuff in the real world, along with freebies. They simply have to use “Edge” and “Bing.”

The reward system for “Bing” has actually been in place for a while now and the only thing that the addition of the “Edge” will do is give users the chance to earn points faster, as its page implied. It used to be called “Bing Rewards” for obvious reasons, but now it’s called “Microsoft Rewards.” Users are awarded points based on how many hours they spent using “Edge” or “Bing,” though they can only accrue up to 30 hours a month.

Although this announcement might be good news for those who have signed up for the system, it also signals some troubling aspects for Bing, Computerworld reports. By throwing Edge into the mix, it’s clear that the reward system has not been enough to draw users to Bing on its own.

On the matter of the rewards itself, the points that the users accumulate can then be exchanged for actual items. The users simply need to visit the brick and mortar stores of Microsoft to claim the items. Buying or using Microsoft products also provide customers with a chance to earn freebies, according to PC World.

In terms of user shares among the different web browsing applications, “Google Chrome” was the clear winner by the end of July this year after cornering a hefty 50 percent of the users. In comparison, “Edge” was only at 5.09 percent. With this new rewards program, Microsoft is clearly trying to make those numbers rise.