Microsoft Announces the End of its Reader Application

Stock up on books now, Microsoft Reader users.

Microsoft has announced that it will no longer support its ebook reader application, Microsoft Reader. The company announced the decision via a post to the official Microsoft Reader website this week. The post, titled 'Closing the Book,' reveals that the application will be discontinued after summer 2012. Users will no longer be able to purchase content after November 8 of this year.

Microsoft is discontinuing Microsoft Reader effective August 30, 2012, which includes download access of the Microsoft Reader application from the Microsoft Reader website. However, customers may continue to use and access the Microsoft Reader application and any .lit materials on their PCs or devices after the discontinuation on August 30, 2012. New content for purchase from retailers in the .lit format will be discontinued on November 8, 2011.

Microsoft did not give any reason for the discontinuation of its 11-year-old ebook app that allows users to read books on Windows-based devices. However, it's probably safe to assume that with the competition getting stiffer over the last few years, Microsoft decided it was better off focusing on other projects.