Microsoft clarifies Windows Marketplace for Mobile application sharing policy
Earlier this week, news broke about the new sharing policy for applications purchased on the upcoming Windows Marketplace for Mobile. The source article cites a new policy which potentially allows a customer to install purchased apps on up to five phones; theoretically allowing the customer to share purchased applications with four friends and/or family members. According to Microsoft this is incorrect, and a spokesperson has contacted us with the company’s official statement:
Microsoft knows the frustration of losing favorite apps and personal information when you lose, upgrade, or add a phone. For this reason, if you buy an application on Windows Marketplace for Mobile, you’ll be able to reinstall the application on a limited number of additional phones simply and free of charge. As outlined in the terms of use for Windows Marketplace for Mobile, this ability is limited to phones owned by the person who purchased the application. Application sharing is not permitted. We believe people will find a high value in mobile applications they purchase through the Windows Marketplace, and we will also be offering a refund policy that will make it easier to shop for applications with confidence.
So this policy, as it is meant to be interpreted, will allow a customer to install a purchased application on up to five phones that are owned by the purchaser. This five phone policy is meant to make application installation easier for an individual who switches phones frequently, demos more than one phone at a time, has lost his/her phone or has had his/her phone stolen. Application sharing however, is not permitted.
When does this launch?
of course microsoft i won’t share my application with my friends
haha What is this, PSN for Windows Mobile Matketplace?
So let me gets this straight, I’m not really purchasing the software, I’m just renting it for the life of 5 devices. If I decide to get a 6th device, I have to rebuy my programs all over again?
What if I do a hard reboot or upgrade/change my rom, does that count as a new device?
Mike, it sounds pretty similar to what VZW says when you buy games from Get It Now. You’re purchasing a license to use software, not the actual software itself.
Hopefully the phones will be identified by something that doesn’t change in the phone’s basic hardware settings, which would invalidate your point about how it measures numbers of installations.
Barring that, you’ll probably have to call and beg. Not exciting, but there it (presumably) is.