Google now limits Play Music de-authorizations to four devices per year

The worst thing has happened: Google now limits users to four device de-authorizations per year for Play Music, limiting its potential usefulness for users that frequently switch between phones, tablets, and computers.

While the 10 device limit is still in place, Google’s change now forces users to closely consider which screens should be authorized in the first place. For many people, including tech journalists, that means having to use another service to listen to music.

Google tried this once before, back in 2012, but retreated on the change after a considerable volume of user complaints. It’s unclear why the company decided to re-implement the policy, but it’s likely something to do with the music labels — when it comes to restrictions, it usually is.

According to Android Police, it’s possible to call Google and manually reset all authorizations, leaving you with a blank slate and four de-authorizations once again, but it’s unclear whether this can be done more than once per year.

Apple goes a different route, allowing users to authorize a new device to iTunes/iCloud every 90 days.

[source]Play Music[/source]