Microsoft apps now support 81 Windows 8.1 devices

Microsoft is rapidly increasing the number of devices that can share apps from five to 81.

In Windows 8, users can "roam" their apps, using them across multiple devices under the same login, rather than buy the same app again. This could be done across five devices.

Apparently five wasn't enough: Microsoft said that its "most enthusiastic customers" needed more. "Developers asked for more flexibility in implementing their business models, and customers wanted to run those apps on the variety of tablets, laptops and desktops they owned," it said in a blog post.

Starting 9 October, Windows Store apps will be able to roam across 81 devices - likely more of a nod to the arrival of Windows 8.1 than an actual expectation that even the most enthusiastic users have dozens of devices.

"The change we’re introducing will reduce the friction that most active customers have in being able to access their favorite apps from any device, and will give developers additional opportunities to monetise the incredible reach the Windows platform provides," Microsoft said.

Microsoft said app developers shouldn't worry that the change will effect their revenue, saying the ability to use apps more frequently will be a boon for ad revenue, and noting it offers a set of APIs to restrict overuse.

Developers will also be allowed to set the roaming limit to a smaller number of devices. "Developers that decide to have the app enforce a constraint around the number of devices must disclose that constraint to Windows Store customers and set expectations appropriately," Microsoft said.

This article originally appeared at pcpro.co.uk