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Modify device cap calculation to accommodate dual-boot systems

Modify device cap calculation to accommodate dual-boot systems

WARNING: Some parts get technical. See the TL;DR

 

I'm an avid Spotify listener that is subscribed to Premium Family. I use the download feature very frequently to cut down on unnecessary internet usage for frequently played tracks.

 

Recently I bought a new laptop with Windows 11 preinstalled. I prefer Linux, but because Windows has exclusive software I decided to dual-boot (as opposed to my old laptop exclusively running Linux). However, I ran into an error: I could only download 10 000 tracks each on 5 devices. I was able to resolve this by removing downloads from my old device, but I am still just on the edge of my device limit.

 

(The other cap, 10 000 songs per device, is not at issue here.)

 

This got me wondering if there is a better way of deciding whether something counts as a "device". Currently I have 5 signed-in systems, but only on 3 physical devices (desktop Win11/Linux, laptop Win11/Linux, Android). It would make more sense to use some hardware method of identifying devices (e.g. using the TPM if available and storing a unique key).

 

I understand the motives behind this limitation and the possible drawbacks in implementing this. However, this idea could take multiple forms, from a unique hardware key to simply allowing more devices per subscription. This is not an issue to the majority of the user base, but this would greatly benefit power-users and dual-boot setups. Additionally, if the hardware is the same on 2 installations, there is no concern of 2 users listening simultaneously (at least, much less than 2 people using separate devices).

 

TL;DR You are only allowed downloading songs on 5 different devices. This currently identifies the installation of Spotify and not the physical device, which should be changed if possible.

 

EDIT 28/06/24: added proper tags

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