Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has launched its Rewards program in the United Kingdom. This will see the Redmond, Washington-based software giant pay users in the U.K. to use its search engine Bing rather than Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google. The program offers points for searches that are conducted in Bing.
The points that users accumulate can then be exchanged for various rewards including digital gift cards for the Xbox, Skype credits and Groove Music passes. Additionally, the points can also be donated to charity as Microsoft has entered into partnerships with various nonprofits.
“The points can be redeemed for a number of Microsoft offerings. These might include free movies and music, or entry into larger prize sweepstakes,” Kevin Stagg, Microsoft’s consumer marketing head, Kevin Stagg, said.
Rewards that have been exchanged for in the past include a lab controller for the Xbox One Design and the Ultimate Edition of the Gears of War 4.
Microsoft Edge
In order to be eligible users need to sign up on the Microsoft website. Initially, users of Bing will be rewarded with three points for every search that they conduct. These points will be doubled until mid-August for those who will be using Microsoft Edge to browse.
In the Microsoft Rewards program, two status tiers exist – 1 and 2. Users in level 1 can get at the most 30 points in a day and 60 points in a day if their default browser is Edge when they search or participate in quizzes. One point will also be awarded for every point that is spent in a U.K. Microsoft store. Users who manage to get 500 points in one month will then be allowed to graduate to level 2.
Market share
Currently, Bing’s market share in the United Kingdom is about 10% while Google dominates with a 85% market share. This is despite the fact that Bing is the default search engine on Microsoft products such as the Windows operating system and Skype.
After being launched in the United Kingdom, the Microsoft Rewards is set to be launched in Canada, Germany and France next.
On Friday shares of Microsoft Corporation rose by 2.37% to close the day at $71.76.
