Microsoft has brought feature parity to Microsoft Reader 2.0, with the simultaneous release of the new version for Pocket PCs and PCs -- Microsoft Reader 1.0 was only available on Pocket PCs and Microsoft Reader 1.5 was only available on PCs, with both having slightly varied functionality. The key features of Microsoft Reader 2.0, include a new user interface with design improvements that enhance how the reader interacts with the book, improved content availability across multiple devices, and the addition of text-to-speech features.

• Download Microsoft Reader 2.0

Features

• Riffle command and visual tool for improving navigation
• Increase in the allowable clients from two to four when working with owner exclusive titles -- means you can access your secured eBooks on up to four computers
• Improved accessibility with the new Text-to-Speech 1.0 Package that allows readers listen to non-Owner Exclusive eBooks. Additionally, there is a feature Microsoft calls an "optional verbosity" feature, which supports voice activate navigation.
• Linking to external content from within Microsoft Reader eBooks
• Enhanced "Lookup" feature that allows the reader to access multiple dictionaries

Microsoft's eBook-related Tools

• Microsoft Reader 2.0
• Microsoft Reader Dictionary Authoring Kit (DAK) 1.0
• Microsoft Read in Microsoft Reader (RMR) 1.1
• Microsoft Tablet PC (To be released 2002)
• Microsoft Digital Asset Server Rights Management Microsoft
• Microsoft Reader Content SDK 1.5
• Microsoft Reader 1.0 & 1.5 (Discontinued)
• Microsoft Reader add-in for Microsoft Word (Discontinued)