Bitcoin, which started out at a value measured in fractions of a dollar back in 2009, saw its brightest days when it hit its highest valuations of more than $1100 in 2013. The shine on bitcoin has since tarnished as it dropped back to the current value of just $300 +/- (per bitcoinaverage as of the time of this writing). In this new world of digital currency, bitcoin has become a topic of conversation and interest that many, if not most people, are now familiar with.
With recent news that Microsoft is now accepting bitcoin for Windows products, 2015 might be the year that bitcoin once again shines brightly as virtual currency attempts to finally go mainstream. According to a post on Microsoft's blog dated December 11, 2014:
"Starting Thursday in the U.S., by using Bitpay, the world's leading bitcoin payment processor, you can trade-in bitcoin – at current market value — and add it to your Microsoft account. Those funds can then be used to purchase content in the Windows Store, or in stores that house Xbox Games, Xbox Music or Xbox Video."
Expectations are that the growing trend of using digital currency will continue. Younger people and some not so young, see and consider the possibilities that bitcoin offers, and believe it is only going to expand. With Microsoft adding this option, Bitcoin potentially will demonstrate that consumers are ready to make the leap. Analysis of Microsoft bitcoin exchange data in 2015 awaits . It will impact the decisions of small, midsize, and large businesses on accepting bitcoin and the future of digital currency.