Windows to increase app install limit next month

In the past, applications purchased through the Windows Store were only allowed to be installed on 5 separate devices, causing trouble for users with multiple PCs. Now Microsoft is expanding the number of devices for app roaming, making it where not even the most devout Windows owner could possibly reach the limit.

Starting on October 9th, all apps purchased through the Windows Store will be allowed to roam on up to 81 devices, a tongue-in-cheek nod to the upcoming Windows 8.1 update. Developers will also have the option to set their own limit using a Microsoft-provided API, but they will be required to disclose the number to Windows Store customers and to "set expectations appropriately".

Microsoft also announced that the Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 storefronts will be combined into one, though that change won't be coming till the Spring of 2014. Unfortunately, it is still unclear whether the 81 device limit will apply to Windows Phone apps as well or if the combined storefront will bring with it cross-compatibility of software, but we should have more details over the coming months.

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