The discontinuation of Microsoft Reader back in 2012 and its official removal from the Microsoft Store in 2018 was a significant blow to many users. This has been a recurring practice within the company, as they have attempted to do the same with Microsoft Paint, although they ultimately decided against it, and other applications that no longer serve a particular purpose. For example, there was a recent announcement about the removal of the perfectly functional WordPad because its functions can be easily replaced through Microsoft Word or Notepad.
For Microsoft Reader, it was replaced by a functionality in Edge that allows the browser to be used as a PDF and other format reader. If you try to open the application, it will display an error message:
Similarly to Paint, Reader has a user base that loves Microsoft’s reader, which could be crucial for its comeback. Not only was it a highly useful application, but it’s hard to understand why, with iBooks, Google Play Books, and Kindle in existence, Microsoft wouldn’t seek its market niche with a reader for Windows. Especially considering that it has the necessary tools and the potential for many new features to integrate into it.
Some things that Reader could integrate include
Perhaps the most interesting of these tools could involve the use of artificial intelligence. Besides applying it to Microsoft Paint, the tech giant has demonstrated great proficiency when applying AI to text-to-voice tools. This would be extremely useful for accessibility for individuals with visual impairments, as well as for language learning.
It could also support nearly any file format in the market, offer note-taking capabilities, and allow for smooth navigation between notes. Furthermore, it could adopt a freemium model, incorporating features that interested users can choose to pay for, such as text editing, for example.
In any case, and whatever it does, what is clear is that Microsoft should bring back Reader and many users would greatly appreciate it.
