Microsoft announce new Microsoft Reader, Tablet PC released in November

By Planet eBook Editor
June 25, 2002

Microsoft has announced that Microsoft Reader 2.5 will be released next fall and it has been optimized for use with Tablet PCs, which will be released on November 7 by several manufacturers. According to Microsoftthe new Microsoft Reader will be shipped with many Tablet PCs, but will also be offered for download from its site once it's released.

For some people the Tablet PC is considered the missing link for the widespread adoption of on screen reading, especially of eBooks -- unlike most dedicated eBooks it offers a high resolution, color reading experience, and unlike handheld devices its screen size is comparable to a large size paperback. On the other hand, the one big drawback of the Tablet PCs is their hefty price.

Details of the additions to Microsoft Reader are fairly scant, but they appear to be focusing on making the most of the new form factor and the Tablet PC's support for writing on screen with what Microsoft calls 'electronic ink.' The improvements for eBooks the Reader and Tablet PC appear to provide include:

  • A large screen making reading better
  • Improved ability to make notes and markup eBook and documents
  • Screen rotation between portrait and landscape modes
  • Pan and zoom images

"One of the key uses of the Tablet PC will be on-screen reading," said Jeff Raikes, group vice president of Productivity and Business Services at Microsoft. "Users will find it very compelling not only for reading and responding to e-mail, but also for working with longer documents, periodicals, eBooks and Web content.