Microsoft Reader: Difference between revisions
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| logo = [[File:Microsoft Reader.png|200px]] |
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| released = {{Start date|2000|08}} |
| released = {{Start date|2000|08}} |
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| 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 Origami Experience Pack or Touch Pack))</small><br>2.4.2 <small>([[Windows Mobile|Windows Mobile 6]])</small> |
| latest_release_version = unknown [[Windows 8]], 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 Origami Experience Pack or Touch Pack))</small><br>2.4.2 <small>([[Windows Mobile|Windows Mobile 6]])</small> |
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| developer = [[Microsoft]] |
| developer = [[Microsoft]] |
Revision as of 12:59, 7 January 2015
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Developer(s) | Microsoft |
---|---|
Initial release | August 2000 |
Stable release | unknown Windows 8, 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 | Microsoft Windows |
Type | e-book reader |
License | proprietary |
Website | apps |
Filename extension |
.pdf, .tiff, .xps |
---|---|
Developed by | Microsoft |
Standard | No |
Originally, Microsoft Reader was a Microsoft program for the reading of e-books in the now defunct .lit format, originally released in August 2000.
Windows 8 Version
The current version of Microsoft Reader is bundled with Windows 8 and reads/displays PDF, TIFF, and XPS files. More information is available at the Windows Store.
LIT Version
Microsoft Reader was available for download from Microsoft as a free program 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 is not supported on newer Windows Phone 7 devices, but it is compatible with Windows Mobile.
Microsoft Reader displays books in the .LIT (shortened from "literature") format, an extension of the Microsoft Compressed HTML Help format to include DRM.[1] These books can be purchased and downloaded from many smaller 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 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.[2]
Compatibility
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
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.
Version history
Desktop
Version | Operating systems | Release date | Major changes |
---|---|---|---|
1.5 | Windows 95, NT 4, 98, 2000, Me | 2000-08-08 |
|
2.0 | Windows NT 4, 98, 2000, Me, XP | 2001-10-03 |
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2.5 | Windows XP | 2002-06-25 |
|
2.1.1 | Windows NT 4, 98, 2000, Me, XP | 2003-06-26 |
|
2.6 | Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, Vista Ultimate Edition (with Origami Experience Pack or Touch Pack) | 2007-07-09 |
|
Pocket PC
Version | Operating systems | Release date | Major changes |
---|---|---|---|
1.0 | Windows Mobile 2000 | 2000-04-19 |
|
2.0 | Windows Mobile 2002 | 2001-10-03 |
|
2.2.1 | Windows Mobile 2002, 2003 | N/A | |
2.2.2 | 2003 |
| |
2.2.3 | 2004-02-04 |
| |
2.3 | Windows Mobile 2002, 2003, 2003 SE | 2004-07-13 |
|
2.4 | 2005-03-24 | ||
2.4.1 | Windows Mobile 2003, 2003 SE, 5, 6.0 | 2005-11-23 |
|
2.4.2 | Windows Mobile 2003, 2003 SE, 5, 6.0, 6.1 | 2009-09-10 |
|
Read in Microsoft Reader
Version | Operating systems | Release date | Major changes |
---|---|---|---|
1.1 | Windows NT 4, 98, 2000, Me, XP | 2001-09-04 |
|
1.1.3 | Windows NT 4, 98, 2000, Me, XP, 2003, Vista, Home Server, 2008 | 2006-02-21 |
|
Software Development Kit
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
Version | Operating systems | Release date | Major changes |
---|---|---|---|
1.0 | Windows NT 4, 98, 2000, Me, XP, 2003, Home Server | 2005-05-19 | Initial version |
Creating .LIT files
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.
Third party
There are some third party apps and tools that allow converting and reading of MS .LIT format on various devices; for example:
- 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.
- Convert LIT; an open source .LIT file converter; runs on both Windows & Mac OS systems.
References
- ^ 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
- ^ "Microsoft is discontinuing Microsoft Reader effective August 30, 2012, which includes download access of the Microsoft Reader application from the Microsoft Reader website."Microsoft Reader