Microsoft Reader
This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2015) |
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, Windows Vista (with Origami Experience Pack or Touch Pack)) )
2.4.2 (Windows Mobile 6 | |
E-book reader | |
---|---|
License | Proprietary freeware |
Document viewer | |
---|---|
License | Proprietary freeware |
Microsoft Reader is a discontinued
E-book Reader
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
Microsoft Reader displays books in the .LIT (shortened from "literature") format, an extension of the
These e-books can be purchased and downloaded from online stores.The notable features of Microsoft Reader are
Companies such as
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
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 |
2003 SE, 5.0
|
2.4.1 | 2005-11-23 |
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.
Creating .LIT files
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
Desktop
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
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 | 2003
|
N/A | |
2.2.2 | 2003 | Compatible with Windows Mobile 2003 | |
2.2.3 | 2004-02-04 | Fixes activation problems | |
2.3 | 2003 SE
|
2004-07-13 | Compatible with Windows Mobile 2003 SE |
2.4 | 2005-03-24 | ||
2.4.1 | 6.0
|
2005-11-23 | Compatible with Windows Mobile 5 and 6 |
2.4.2 | 6.1
|
2009-09-10 | Compatible with Windows Mobile 6.1 |
Read in Microsoft Reader
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
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 |
Third party
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
In 2012, Microsoft released a Microsoft Reader
References
- ^ "Rugged Handhelds and PDAs". Rugged PC Review.com. 2000-04-19. Retrieved 2021-12-02.
- 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.