Microsoft Reader is a Microsoft application for reading e-books, first released in August 2000, or a Microsoft application for reading PDF and XPS files, first released for Windows 8.1. From 2000 to 2012, Microsoft Reader was the name of an e-book reader. In 2013, Microsoft released a Microsoft Reader application for reading documents in PDF, XPS and TIFF formats. Reader was included in Windows 8.1 and was a free download from the Windows Store for Windows 10. Microsoft discontinued the application in February 2018, as PDF reading functionality was moved to the Microsoft Edge browser.
E-book Reader
The e-book reader was available for download from Microsoft as a free application for computers running Windows. It can also be used on a Pocket PC, where it has been built into the ROM since Windows CE 3.0. Microsoft Reader was not supported on newer Windows Phone 7 devices, but it was compatible with Windows Mobile. Microsoft Reader displays books in the.LIT format, an extension of the Microsoft Compressed HTML Help format to include DRM. These e-books can be purchased and downloaded from online stores. The notable features of Microsoft Reader are ClearType for increased readability on small screens, highlighting and doodling designed for quick note-taking, text notes, and searching. The PC version also has an optional plug-in for text-to-speech, enabling books to be read out loud. In August 2011, Microsoft announced they were discontinuing both Microsoft Reader and the use of the.lit format for ebooks at the end of August 2012, and ending sales of the format on November 8, 2011.
Compatibility
Copy protection
Books accessible by Reader can be protected, or unprotected, only allowing access to protected books if the user has activated the software. This can be accomplished by registering using their Passport account. Only six Reader installations can be activated per account, after which, Microsoft requires the user to request further activations.
Creating .LIT files
Read in Microsoft Reader is an add-on, available from Microsoft, that can be used with Microsoft Word to create.LIT extension e-books. This software is not fully compatible with Office 2007.
