Redmond-based Microsoft was reported a few days ago to plan on allowing users to install an application that had been purchased through the Windows Marketplace for Mobile on a number of up to five different handsets, something that sounded rather great for all Windows Mobile phone users out there. However, it seems that the company's move has been misunderstood in a certain way, and some clarifications need to be made in this direction.

The original details on Microsoft's plans suggested that users would be able to share a purchased application with their family or friends, offering them the possibility to enjoy the same functionality on their handsets, yet it seems that the real purpose was that of allowing for a software solution to be installed on more than one device when users either lost, damaged, upgraded their handsets or added new ones, so as to offer them the opportunity to continue benefiting from the app they had acquired through the software portal.

Following our previous report on the application sharing possibility, we received a clarifying statement from the Redmond company, which states: “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.”

So it seems that, after all, things won't turn out that bad in the end, for at least users will be able to take their applications with them when exchanging their Windows Mobile-powered phones. And since the Windows Marketplace for Mobile will come along with Windows Mobile 6.5, which, from what we've heard and seen so far, will come with great improvements over previous versions of the platform, WinMo fanatics will certainly go for the applications on the portal. Moreover, in case Windows Mobile 7 proves to be what we expect it to be, and people will start upgrading, the possibility to reinstall a purchased app on a new phone should prove more than useful for fanboys.