Microsoft rolls out new Bing Rewards incentive program

Microsoft may have shut down the Bing Cashback program, but they're not ready to quit trying to entice users just yet. The Redmond Crew has unveiled Bing Rewards -- think of it as frequent flyer miles for your search engine.

There's a catch, of course. You can't accumulate points simply by using Bing for searches -- you've got to install the Silverlight-powered Bing Bar as well. If you're willing to do that, you'll collect one credit for every five searches you perform, and you can earn a maximum of eight points per day. As Search Engine Land points out, at that rate, it would take you just under a year to cash 'em in for a Scrabble game.

It's important to note, however, that this is just a preview of Bing Rewards. Microsoft could certainly up the ante before the official launch, and they may have to. I'm not sure I'd be willing to spend a year with the Bing Bar just for a cheese-serving tray.