Microsoft to discontinue 'Points' purchases?

Microsoft is planning to do away with its ‘Points’ purchasing system in favour of standard regional currency transactions, according to a new rumour.

US website Inside Mobile Apps says the virtual currency will be phased out by the end of 2012, citing ‘a source with knowledge of the company’s decision’.

The Points system governs purchases made on Windows Phone, Zune, and Xbox Live.

"By the end of 2012, all transactions will be based on the region set on the purchasing account, and real money will be used to purchase all Windows Phone content,” the report reads.

Points are useful for Microsoft because the company can set a standard price for content and ignore fluctuations in local currencies.

However, they are infuriating for users, who have to calculate the value of every online purchase in actual currency before buying.

Unfortunately, the end of 2012 is a long way away, so even if the rumour is true it could be some time before Microsoft makes the move.

Are you keen for Microsoft to get rid of Points? Post your comments below.