Microsoft is in no way done with attempting to buy queries and to bribe users away from rival search engines. Back in May 2008, the Redmond company, traveling a path others took before it, debuted a service designed to award users cash incentives for the products acquired after searches performed via Live Search. As of the start of December 2008, the software giant has kicked Live Search Cashback to the next level. The evolution of the service is designed to make the cashback process virtually instantaneous.

“When we asked users about the improvements they'd like us make to Live Search cashback, many said they want to receive cashback instantly, instead of waiting for 60 days. Well, I'm happy to announce that we've just released the Instant cashback feature. Instant cashback will be eligible for some, but not all users. Eligible shoppers will be notified online after completing a purchase,” revealed Kok Waii Wong, group product manager, Live Search.

For the time being, Waii Wong indicated only eBay as the online shopping hotspot where the feature had been already implemented. The process works in the same manner as it did with the initial release of Live Search Cashback. The users will have to identify Live Search Cashback offerings via Microsoft's search engine, navigate to the specific website selling the product, and make the purchase. The sole difference is that, now, the cashback will be instantaneous.

“After completing the payment with PayPal, you'll receive a message saying you're eligible for 'instant cashback' Yippee! The cashback amount is automatically deposited into your Paypal account, and posted to your cashback account. This new Live Search cashback feature ought to make your holiday shopping all the more rewarding. I look forward to sharing many more improvements with you in the coming months.”