Microsoft Reader: Difference between revisions
Frmorrison (talk | contribs) Copyedit (major) |
A bit iffy (talk | contribs) + short description |
||
(36 intermediate revisions by 28 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{short description|E-book software}} |
|||
{{Refimprove|date=January 2015}} |
|||
{{More citations needed|date=January 2015}} |
|||
{{Infobox software |
{{Infobox software |
||
| name = Microsoft Reader |
| name = Microsoft Reader (E-book app) |
||
| logo = |
| logo = Microsoft Reader.png |
||
| logo size = 300px |
|||
| released = {{Start date|2000|08}} |
|||
| released = {{Start date and age|2000|08}} |
|||
| discontinued = yes |
| discontinued = yes |
||
| |
| latest release version = 2.1.1 <small>([[Windows 98]], [[Windows NT 4.0|NT 4.0]], [[Windows 2000|2000]], [[Windows Me|Me]], [[Windows XP|XP]])</small> 2.6.1 <small>([[Windows XP Tablet PC Edition]], [[Windows Vista]] (with [[Ultra-mobile PC|Origami]] Experience Pack or Touch Pack))</small><br>2.4.2 <small>([[Windows Mobile|Windows Mobile 6]])</small> |
||
| latest release date = |
|||
| latest_release_date = |
|||
| developer = [[Microsoft]] |
| developer = [[Microsoft]] |
||
| |
| operating system = [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] |
||
| genre = [[E-book]] reader |
| genre = [[E-book]] reader |
||
| license = [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]] [[freeware]] |
| license = [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]] [[freeware]] |
||
| website = |
|||
| website = {{URL|http://www.microsoft.com/reader/}}{{dead link|date=January 2015}} |
|||
}} |
}} |
||
{{Infobox software |
|||
| name = Microsoft Reader (Document app) |
|||
| logo = |
|||
| logo size = |
|||
| released = {{Start date and age|2012|10}} |
|||
| discontinued = yes |
|||
| latest release version = |
|||
| latest release date = |
|||
| developer = [[Microsoft]] |
|||
| operating system = [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] ([[Windows 8|8]]/[[Windows 8.1|8.1]]/[[Windows 10|10]]), [[Windows 10 Mobile]] |
|||
| genre = [[Document viewer]] |
|||
| license = [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]] [[freeware]] |
|||
| website = |
|||
}} |
|||
'''Microsoft Reader''' is a discontinued [[Microsoft]] application for reading [[e-book]]s, first released in August 2000, that used its own .LIT format. It was available for [[Windows]] computers and [[Pocket PC]] PDAs. The name was also used later for an unrelated application for reading [[PDF]] and [[Open XML Paper Specification|XPS]] files, first released with [[Windows 8]] - this app was discontinued in 2018. |
|||
==E-book Reader== |
|||
{{Infobox file format |
{{Infobox file format |
||
| name = Microsoft Reader |
| name = Microsoft Reader file format |
||
| icon = |
| icon = |
||
| logo = |
| logo = |
||
Line 25: | Line 44: | ||
| magic = |
| magic = |
||
| owner = [[Microsoft]] |
| owner = [[Microsoft]] |
||
| released = |
| released = {{Start date and age|2000|08}} |
||
| latest release version = 2.4.1 |
| latest release version = 2.4.1 |
||
| latest release date = |
| latest release date = {{Start date and age|2012|08}} |
||
| genre = |
| genre = |
||
| container for = |
| container for = |
||
Line 36: | Line 55: | ||
| url = |
| url = |
||
}} |
}} |
||
The e-book reader was available for download from Microsoft as a free application for computers running [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] and on PDAs running [[Pocket PC]], where it has been built into the ROM since [[Windows CE]] 3.0.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ruggedpcreview.com/3_handhelds_pocketpcintro.html |title=Rugged Handhelds and PDAs |publisher=Rugged PC Review.com |date=2000-04-19 |access-date=2021-12-02}}</ref> Microsoft Reader was compatible with [[Windows Mobile]], but was not supported on newer [[Windows Phone 7]] devices. |
|||
'''Microsoft Reader''' was a [[Microsoft]] application for the reading of [[e-book]]s, originally released in August 2000. |
|||
Microsoft Reader displays books in the .LIT (shortened from "literature") format, an extension of the [[Microsoft Compressed HTML Help]] format to include [[Digital rights management|DRM]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Salomon |first1=David |last2=Motta |first2=Giovanni |last3=Bryant |first3=David (CON) |title=Handbook of Data Compression |date=2009 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-1-84882-902-2 |edition=5th}}</ref> These e-books can be purchased and downloaded from online stores. |
|||
Microsoft Reader was available for download from Microsoft as a free application for computers running [[Microsoft Windows|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]]. |
|||
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 (computing)|plug-in]] for [[text-to-speech]], enabling books to be read out loud. |
|||
Microsoft Reader displays books in the .LIT (shortened from "literature") format, an extension of the [[Microsoft Compressed HTML Help]] format to include DRM.<ref>Handbook of Data Compression |
|||
Authors David Salomon, Giovanni Motta, David (CON) Bryant |
|||
Edition 5, illustrated |
|||
Publisher Springer, 2009 |
|||
ISBN 1-84882-902-7, ISBN 978-1-84882-902-2 |
|||
Length 1359 pages</ref> These e-books can be purchased and downloaded from online stores. |
|||
Companies such as [[Barnes & Noble]] and [[Amazon.com]] partnered with Microsoft to provide books in the format when released in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thebookseller.com/news/bn-rh-and-ss-deal-microsoft|title = B&N, RH and S&S in deal with Microsoft | the Bookseller}}</ref> |
|||
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 (computing)|plugin]] 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.<ref> |
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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-10-12 |title=Microsoft Reader |website=[[Microsoft]] |url=http://www.microsoft.com/reader/default.asp |access-date=2023-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051012094653/http://www.microsoft.com/reader/default.asp |archive-date=2005-10-12 }}</ref> |
||
==Compatibility== |
===Compatibility=== |
||
{| class ="wikitable" |
{| class ="wikitable" |
||
|- |
|||
! Operating Systems |
|||
! [[Operating system]]s |
|||
! Latest version |
! Latest version |
||
! Release |
! Release date |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[Windows 95]] |
| [[Windows 95]] |
||
Line 62: | Line 77: | ||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[Windows NT 4.0]], [[Windows 98|98]], [[Windows 2000|2000]], [[Windows Me|Me]] |
| [[Windows NT 4.0]], [[Windows 98|98]], [[Windows 2000|2000]], [[Windows Me|Me]] |
||
| [http://www.microsoft.com/reader/downloads/pc.aspx 2.1.1] |
| [https://web.archive.org/web/20090315052022/http://www.microsoft.com/reader/downloads/pc.aspx 2.1.1] |
||
| 2003-06-26 |
| 2003-06-26 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[Windows XP]], [[Windows Server 2003|2003]], [[Windows Vista|Vista]] (with Origami Experience Pack or Touch Pack), [[Windows Home Server|Home Server]], [[Windows Server 2008|2008]] |
| [[Windows XP]], [[Windows Server 2003|2003]], [[Windows Vista|Vista]] (with [[Ultra-mobile PC|Origami]] Experience Pack or Touch Pack), [[Windows Home Server|Home Server]], [[Windows Server 2008|2008]] |
||
| [http://www.microsoft.com |
| [https://web.archive.org/web/20160816093148/http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=18364 2.6.1] |
||
| 2007-07-10 |
| 2007-07-10 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
Line 73: | Line 88: | ||
| 2000-04-19 |
| 2000-04-19 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[Windows Mobile |
| [[Windows Mobile 2002|Pocket PC 2002]] |
||
| [http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=2507a77a-5485-47d8-a560-3f182fbcdf8f 2.4] |
| [http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=2507a77a-5485-47d8-a560-3f182fbcdf8f 2.4] |
||
| 2005-03-24 |
| 2005-03-24 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[ |
| [[Pocket PC 2003|Windows Mobile 2003]], [[Windows Mobile 2003 SE|2003 SE]], [[Windows Mobile#Windows Mobile 5|5.0]] |
||
| [http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?familyid=B63689E0-CD2D-431D-8617-B0D30EC589DC 2.4.1] |
| [http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?familyid=B63689E0-CD2D-431D-8617-B0D30EC589DC 2.4.1] |
||
| 2005-11-23 |
| 2005-11-23 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| [[ |
| [[Winmo 6|Windows Mobile 6.0]], [[Winmo 6.1|6.1]] |
||
| [http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=5f77654d-c8b8-4eca-9a2d-1e6b8ded8fc2 2.4.2] |
| [http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?displaylang=en&FamilyID=5f77654d-c8b8-4eca-9a2d-1e6b8ded8fc2 2.4.2] |
||
| 2009-09-10 |
| 2009-09-10 |
||
|} |
|} |
||
== Copy protection == |
=== 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 [[ |
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 [[Microsoft account|Passport]] account. Only six Reader installations can be activated per account, after which, Microsoft requires the user to request further activations. |
||
===Creating .LIT files=== |
|||
==Version history== |
|||
''Read in Microsoft Reader'' is an add-on, available from Microsoft, that can be used with Microsoft Word (versions 2000, 2002 and 2003) to create .LIT extension e-books.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-08-31 |title=Download details: Word 2002/2000 Add-in: Read in Microsoft Reader 1.1 |website=[[Microsoft]] |url=http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=199BE874-1F5E-4FB7-8FE0-6BCA50C7D356&displaylang=EN |access-date=2023-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040831100834/http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=199BE874-1F5E-4FB7-8FE0-6BCA50C7D356&displaylang=EN |archive-date=2004-08-31 }}</ref> This software is not fully compatible with Office 2007. |
|||
===Desktop=== |
|||
===Version history=== |
|||
====Desktop==== |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable" |
||
|- |
|- |
||
! Version |
! Version |
||
! Operating |
! [[Operating system]]s |
||
! Release date |
! {{nowrap|Release date}} |
||
! Major changes |
! Major changes |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| 1.5 |
| 1.5 |
||
| |
|| [[Windows 95]], [[Windows NT 4.0|NT 4]], [[Windows 98|98]], [[Windows 2000|2000]], [[Windows Me|Me]] |
||
| 2000-08-08 |
| 2000-08-08 |
||
| Initial version for desktops |
|||
| |
|||
*Initial version for desktops |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| 2.0 |
| 2.0 |
||
| |
|| [[Windows NT 4.0|Windows NT 4]], [[Windows 98|98]], [[Windows 2000|2000]], [[Windows Me|Me]], [[Windows XP|XP]] |
||
| 2001-10-03 |
| 2001-10-03 |
||
| Major overhaul<br />Supports premium eBooks |
|||
| |
|||
*Major overhaul |
|||
*Supports premium eBooks |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| 2.5 |
| 2.5 |
||
| |
|| [[Windows XP]] |
||
| 2002-06-25 |
| 2002-06-25 |
||
| Support for [[Microsoft Tablet PC|Tablet PC]]<br />Pen and Ink features |
|||
| |
|||
*Support for [[Tablet computer|Tablet PC]]s |
|||
*Pen and Ink features |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| 2.1.1 |
| 2.1.1 |
||
| |
|| [[Windows NT 4.0|Windows NT 4]], [[Windows 98|98]], [[Windows 2000|2000]], [[Windows Me|Me]], [[Windows XP|XP]] |
||
| 2003-06-26 |
| 2003-06-26 |
||
| Security update |
|||
| |
|||
*Security update |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| 2.6 |
| 2.6 |
||
| |
|| [[Windows XP Tablet PC Edition]], [[Windows Vista|Vista Ultimate Edition]] (with [[Ultra-mobile PC|Origami]] Experience Pack or Touch Pack) |
||
| 2007-07-09 |
| 2007-07-09 |
||
| Audible support for newer audio formats<br />Security and performance updates |
|||
| |
|||
*Audible support for the newer audio formats |
|||
*Security and Performance updates |
|||
|} |
|} |
||
===Pocket PC=== |
====Pocket PC==== |
||
{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable" |
||
|- |
|- |
||
! Version |
! Version |
||
! Operating |
! [[Operating system]]s |
||
! Release date |
! Release date |
||
! Major changes |
! Major changes |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| 1.0 |
| 1.0 |
||
| |
|| [[Windows Mobile]] [[Windows Mobile#Windows Mobile 2000|2000]] |
||
| 2000-04-19 |
| 2000-04-19 |
||
| Initial version for Pocket PCs. |
|||
| |
|||
*Initial version for Pocket PCs. |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| 2.0 |
| 2.0 |
||
| |
|| [[Windows Mobile]] [[Windows Mobile#Windows Mobile 2002|2002]] |
||
| 2001-10-03 |
| 2001-10-03 |
||
| Compatible with Windows Mobile 2002<br />Major overhaul<br />Supports premium eBooks{{clarify|date=April 2014}} |
|||
| |
|||
*Compatible with Windows Mobile 2002 |
|||
*Major overhaul |
|||
*Supports premium eBooks{{clarification needed|date=April 2014}} |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| 2.2.1 |
| 2.2.1 |
||
|rowspan="3"| [[Windows Mobile]] [[Windows Mobile#Windows Mobile 2002|2002]], [[ |
|rowspan="3"| [[Windows Mobile]] [[Windows Mobile#Windows Mobile 2002|2002]], [[Wm2003|2003]] |
||
| N/A |
| N/A |
||
| |
| |
||
Line 161: | Line 167: | ||
| 2.2.2 |
| 2.2.2 |
||
| 2003 |
| 2003 |
||
| Compatible with Windows Mobile 2003 |
|||
| |
|||
*Compatible with Windows Mobile 2003 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| 2.2.3 |
| 2.2.3 |
||
| 2004-02-04 |
| 2004-02-04 |
||
| Fixes activation problems |
|||
| |
|||
*Fixes activation problems |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| 2.3 |
| 2.3 |
||
|rowspan="2"| [[Windows Mobile]] [[Windows Mobile#Windows Mobile 2002|2002]], [[ |
|rowspan="2"| [[Windows Mobile]] [[Windows Mobile#Windows Mobile 2002|2002]], [[Wm2003|2003]], [[Windows Mobile 2003 SE|2003 SE]] |
||
| 2004-07-13 |
| 2004-07-13 |
||
| Compatible with Windows Mobile 2003 SE |
|||
| |
|||
*Compatible with Windows Mobile 2003 SE |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| 2.4 |
| 2.4 |
||
Line 180: | Line 183: | ||
|- |
|- |
||
| 2.4.1 |
| 2.4.1 |
||
| |
|| [[Windows Mobile]] [[Wm2003|2003]], [[Windows Mobile 2003 SE|2003 SE]], [[Windows Mobile#Windows Mobile 5|5]], [[Winmo 6|6.0]] |
||
| 2005-11-23 |
| 2005-11-23 |
||
| Compatible with Windows Mobile 5 and 6 |
|||
| |
|||
*Compatible with Windows Mobile 5 and 6 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| 2.4.2 |
| 2.4.2 |
||
| |
|| [[Windows Mobile]] [[Wm2003|2003]], [[Windows Mobile 2003 SE|2003 SE]], [[Windows Mobile#Windows Mobile 5|5]], [[Winmo 6|6.0]], [[Winmo 6.1|6.1]] |
||
| 2009-09-10 |
| 2009-09-10 |
||
| Compatible with Windows Mobile 6.1 |
|||
| |
|||
*Compatible with Windows Mobile 6.1 |
|||
|} |
|} |
||
===Read in Microsoft Reader=== |
====Read in Microsoft Reader==== |
||
{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable" |
||
|- |
|- |
||
! Version |
! Version |
||
! Operating |
! [[Operating system]]s |
||
! Release date |
! {{nowrap|Release date}} |
||
! Major changes |
! Major changes |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| 1.1 |
| 1.1 |
||
| |
||[[Windows NT 4.0|Windows NT 4]], [[Windows 98|98]], [[Windows 2000|2000]], [[Windows Me|Me]], [[Windows XP|XP]] |
||
| 2001-09-04 |
| 2001-09-04 |
||
| Initial version with support for Word 2000, 2002 |
|||
| |
|||
*Initial version with support for Word 2000 and 2002 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
| 1.1.3 |
| 1.1.3 |
||
| |
|| [[Windows NT 4.0|Windows NT 4]], [[Windows 98|98]], [[Windows 2000|2000]], [[Windows Me|Me]], [[Windows XP|XP]], [[Windows Server 2003|2003]], [[Windows Vista|Vista]], [[Windows Home Server|Home Server]], [[Windows Server 2008|2008]] |
||
| 2006-02-21 |
| 2006-02-21 |
||
| Conversion support for Word 2003. Supports Word 2000, 2002, 2003. Incompatible with Office 2007 |
|||
| |
|||
*Conversion support for Word 2003. Supports Word 2000, 2002, and 2003. Not compatible with Office 2007 |
|||
|} |
|} |
||
===Software Development Kit=== |
====Software Development Kit==== |
||
{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable" |
||
|- |
|- |
||
! Version |
! Version |
||
! Operating |
! [[Operating system]]s |
||
! Release date |
! Release date |
||
! Major changes |
! Major changes |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| 1.5 |
| 1.5 |
||
| |
|| [[Windows NT 4.0|Windows NT 4]], [[Windows 98|98]], [[Windows 2000|2000]], [[Windows Me|Me]], [[Windows XP|XP]], [[Windows Server 2003|2003]], [[Windows Vista|Vista]], [[Windows Home Server|Home Server]], [[Windows Server 2008|2008]] |
||
| 2001-10-04 |
| 2001-10-04 |
||
| Initial version |
| Initial version |
||
|} |
|} |
||
===Text to Speech=== |
|||
====Text to Speech==== |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable" |
||
|- |
|- |
||
! Version |
! Version |
||
! Operating |
! [[Operating system]]s |
||
! Release date |
! Release date |
||
! Major changes |
! Major changes |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| 1.0 |
| 1.0 |
||
| |
|| [[Windows NT 4.0|Windows NT 4]], [[Windows 98|98]], [[Windows 2000|2000]], [[Windows Me|Me]], [[Windows XP|XP]], [[Windows Server 2003|2003]], [[Windows Home Server|Home Server]] |
||
| 2005-05-19 |
| 2005-05-19 |
||
| Initial version |
| Initial version |
||
|} |
|} |
||
== |
===Third party=== |
||
Notable third-party apps and tools to convert and read MS .LIT format on various devices include: |
|||
*[[Calibre (software)|Calibre]]; an [[Open-source software|open source]] e-book library manager that runs on many environments; it can convert .LIT format files |
|||
'''[http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=199BE874-1F5E-4FB7-8FE0-6BCA50C7D356&displaylang=EN Read in Microsoft Reader]''' is an add-on, available from Microsoft, that can be used in conjunction with Microsoft Word (versions 2000, 2002 and 2003) to create .LIT extension e-books. This software is not fully compatible with Office 2007. |
|||
*[[Lexcycle Stanza]] (discontinued); a freeware program for reading eBooks; can read .LIT format, supports [[iOS]]. |
|||
== |
==Document viewer== |
||
In 2012, Microsoft released a Microsoft Reader [[Metro UI|Metro]]-style app with [[Windows 8]] 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. Support for [[Windows 10 Mobile]] ended in 2016 in favor of opening PDF documents within [[Microsoft Edge]] browser.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.onmsft.com/news/microsoft-end-pdf-reader-development-wants-use-edge| title = Microsoft to end PDF Reader development, wants you to use Edge - OnMSFT.com}} </ref> Microsoft discontinued the application in February 2018, as PDF reading functionality was moved to Edge on desktops as well.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Waghray |first=akshay |date=2017-11-21 |title=Microsoft to discontinue its PDF Reader App in February 2018 |url=https://www.windowslatest.com/2017/11/21/microsoft-to-discontinue-its-pdf-reader-app-in-february-2018/ |access-date=2023-07-04 |website=Windows Latest |language=en-US}}</ref> |
|||
There are some third party apps and tools that allow converting and reading of MS .LIT format on various devices; |
|||
for example: |
|||
*[[Calibre (software)|Calibre]]; an [[open source]] e-book library manager that runs on many environments; It can convert .LIT format files. |
|||
*[[Lexcycle Stanza]]; a freeware program for reading eBooks; can read .LIT format, supports [[iOS (Apple)|iOS]]. |
|||
*[http://www.convertlit.com/ Convert LIT]; an [[open source]] .LIT file converter; runs on both [[Windows]] & [[Mac OS]] systems. |
|||
==References== |
==References== |
||
{{ |
{{Reflist}} |
||
{{Ebooks}} |
{{Ebooks}}<!--navbox--> |
||
[[Category:Discontinued Microsoft software|Reader]] |
[[Category:Discontinued Microsoft software|Reader]] |
||
[[Category:Pocket PC software]] |
[[Category:Pocket PC software]] |
||
[[Category:Electronic publishing]] |
[[Category:Electronic publishing]] |
||
[[Category: |
[[Category:Document viewers]] |
||
[[Category: |
[[Category:Ebooks]] |
Latest revision as of 11:38, 27 May 2024
This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2015) |
![]() | |
Developer(s) | Microsoft |
---|---|
Initial release | August 2000 |
Final release | 2.1.1 (Windows 98, NT 4.0, 2000, Me, XP) 2.6.1 (Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, Windows Vista (with Origami Experience Pack or Touch Pack)) 2.4.2 (Windows Mobile 6) |
Operating system | Windows |
Type | E-book reader |
License | Proprietary freeware |
Developer(s) | Microsoft |
---|---|
Initial release | October 2012 |
Operating system | Windows (8/8.1/10), Windows 10 Mobile |
Type | Document viewer |
License | Proprietary freeware |
Microsoft Reader is a discontinued Microsoft application for reading e-books, first released in August 2000, that used its own .LIT format. It was available for Windows computers and Pocket PC PDAs. The name was also used later for an unrelated application for reading PDF and XPS files, first released with Windows 8 - this app was discontinued in 2018.
E-book Reader
[edit]Filename extension |
.lit |
---|---|
Developed by | Microsoft |
Initial release | August 2000 |
Latest release | 2.4.1 August 2012 |
Extended from | .chm |
Standard | No |
The e-book reader was available for download from Microsoft as a free application for computers running Windows and on PDAs running Pocket PC, where it has been built into the ROM since Windows CE 3.0.[1] Microsoft Reader was compatible with Windows Mobile, but was not supported on newer Windows Phone 7 devices.
Microsoft Reader displays books in the .LIT (shortened from "literature") format, an extension of the Microsoft Compressed HTML Help format to include DRM.[2] 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.
Companies such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com partnered with Microsoft to provide books in the format when released in 2000.[3]
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.[4]
Compatibility
[edit]Operating systems | Latest version | Release date |
---|---|---|
Windows 95 | 1.5 | 2000-08-08 |
Windows NT 4.0, 98, 2000, Me | 2.1.1 | 2003-06-26 |
Windows XP, 2003, Vista (with Origami Experience Pack or Touch Pack), Home Server, 2008 | 2.6.1 | 2007-07-10 |
Pocket PC 2000 | 1.0 (in ROM) | 2000-04-19 |
Pocket PC 2002 | 2.4 | 2005-03-24 |
Windows Mobile 2003, 2003 SE, 5.0 | 2.4.1 | 2005-11-23 |
Windows Mobile 6.0, 6.1 | 2.4.2 | 2009-09-10 |
Copy protection
[edit]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
[edit]Read in Microsoft Reader is an add-on, available from Microsoft, that can be used with Microsoft Word (versions 2000, 2002 and 2003) to create .LIT extension e-books.[5] This software is not fully compatible with Office 2007.
Version history
[edit]Desktop
[edit]Version | Operating systems | Release date | Major changes |
---|---|---|---|
1.5 | Windows 95, NT 4, 98, 2000, Me | 2000-08-08 | Initial version for desktops |
2.0 | Windows NT 4, 98, 2000, Me, XP | 2001-10-03 | Major overhaul Supports premium eBooks |
2.5 | Windows XP | 2002-06-25 | Support for Tablet PC Pen and Ink features |
2.1.1 | Windows NT 4, 98, 2000, Me, XP | 2003-06-26 | Security update |
2.6 | Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, Vista Ultimate Edition (with Origami Experience Pack or Touch Pack) | 2007-07-09 | Audible support for newer audio formats Security and performance updates |
Pocket PC
[edit]Version | Operating systems | Release date | Major changes |
---|---|---|---|
1.0 | Windows Mobile 2000 | 2000-04-19 | Initial version for Pocket PCs. |
2.0 | Windows Mobile 2002 | 2001-10-03 | Compatible with Windows Mobile 2002 Major overhaul Supports premium eBooks[clarification needed] |
2.2.1 | Windows Mobile 2002, 2003 | N/A | |
2.2.2 | 2003 | Compatible with Windows Mobile 2003 | |
2.2.3 | 2004-02-04 | Fixes activation problems | |
2.3 | Windows Mobile 2002, 2003, 2003 SE | 2004-07-13 | Compatible with Windows Mobile 2003 SE |
2.4 | 2005-03-24 | ||
2.4.1 | Windows Mobile 2003, 2003 SE, 5, 6.0 | 2005-11-23 | Compatible with Windows Mobile 5 and 6 |
2.4.2 | Windows Mobile 2003, 2003 SE, 5, 6.0, 6.1 | 2009-09-10 | Compatible with Windows Mobile 6.1 |
Read in Microsoft Reader
[edit]Version | Operating systems | Release date | Major changes |
---|---|---|---|
1.1 | Windows NT 4, 98, 2000, Me, XP | 2001-09-04 | Initial version with support for Word 2000, 2002 |
1.1.3 | Windows NT 4, 98, 2000, Me, XP, 2003, Vista, Home Server, 2008 | 2006-02-21 | Conversion support for Word 2003. Supports Word 2000, 2002, 2003. Incompatible with Office 2007 |
Software Development Kit
[edit]Version | Operating systems | Release date | Major changes |
---|---|---|---|
1.5 | Windows NT 4, 98, 2000, Me, XP, 2003, Vista, Home Server, 2008 | 2001-10-04 | Initial version |
Text to Speech
[edit]Version | Operating systems | Release date | Major changes |
---|---|---|---|
1.0 | Windows NT 4, 98, 2000, Me, XP, 2003, Home Server | 2005-05-19 | Initial version |
Third party
[edit]Notable third-party apps and tools to convert and read MS .LIT format on various devices include:
- Calibre; an open source e-book library manager that runs on many environments; it can convert .LIT format files
- Lexcycle Stanza (discontinued); a freeware program for reading eBooks; can read .LIT format, supports iOS.
Document viewer
[edit]In 2012, Microsoft released a Microsoft Reader Metro-style app with Windows 8 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. Support for Windows 10 Mobile ended in 2016 in favor of opening PDF documents within Microsoft Edge browser.[6] Microsoft discontinued the application in February 2018, as PDF reading functionality was moved to Edge on desktops as well.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ "Rugged Handhelds and PDAs". Rugged PC Review.com. 2000-04-19. Retrieved 2021-12-02.
- ^ Salomon, David; Motta, Giovanni; Bryant, David (CON) (2009). Handbook of Data Compression (5th ed.). Springer. ISBN 978-1-84882-902-2.
- ^ "B&N, RH and S&S in deal with Microsoft | the Bookseller".
- ^ "Microsoft Reader". Microsoft. 2005-10-12. Archived from the original on 2005-10-12. Retrieved 2023-07-04.
- ^ "Download details: Word 2002/2000 Add-in: Read in Microsoft Reader 1.1". Microsoft. 2004-08-31. Archived from the original on 2004-08-31. Retrieved 2023-07-04.
- ^ "Microsoft to end PDF Reader development, wants you to use Edge - OnMSFT.com".
- ^ Waghray, akshay (2017-11-21). "Microsoft to discontinue its PDF Reader App in February 2018". Windows Latest. Retrieved 2023-07-04.