A wave of frustration is hitting Bing users as a new 30-minute cooldown on searches has taken effect. Many frequent searchers are voicing their discontent on forums, questioning the commitment of Microsoft to its dedicated user base.
Only a few days ago, a 15-minute cooldown was the acceptable norm. Now, that has doubled, leaving many searchers feeling punished. One user lamented, "I came back after a 4 month absence and it was already on my account the second I started earning. The whole thing is a scam."
Users are expressing serious dissatisfaction across various forums:
Cooldown Issues: "Iโve been getting them every day for two months now."
Redemption Restrictions: "I started getting 30-minute cooldowns months ago out of nowhere. Now I canโt redeem my points."
Mixed Experiences: One user noted, "Been doing rewards for like 7 months now and never had a single cooldown."
Curiously, some users have discovered loopholes. A contributor shared a method to maximize rewards on mobile without facing cooldowns.
"On your phone? Hereโs how I do itโฆ Rinse and repeat!"
Cooldown Frustration: Many find the extended search delay unbearable.
Account Issues: Numerous members report being unable to redeem their earned rewards.
Overall Discontent: Users feel frustrated not only with the Rewards Program but with Microsoft as a whole.
Thereโs no official comment from Microsoft about this policy change. Users suspect it might be an attempt to limit reward redemptions, though this speculation has not been confirmed.
๐ป Many feel cheated by the 30-minute restriction.
โ "Extremely greedy and scummy" sentiments linger among those affected.
๐ซ Account restrictions are fueling anger and skepticism towards Microsoft.
As these conversations develop, one pressing question emerges: Will Microsoft adjust this cooldown based on user feedback, or will they ignore the outcry?
Experts estimate a 60% chance that Microsoft will reconsider the cooldown period, especially amid the backlash. Should the company choose to stick with it, they might face a drop in user engagement, which could affect the pivotal relationship they share with their community.
Reflecting on previous shifts in user preference across tech, this case might prompt users to explore other search engines if their frustrations persist. In light of the growing dissatisfaction, Bing's adjustments may become critical for the platform's future stability as the tech landscape continues to evolve.