Report: Microsoft works on Xbox reading app for Win8
Microsoft is working on an Xbox-branded reading app for devices running its Windows 8 operating system, a tech site reported this week.
The Verge cited at least one source familiar with Microsoft's plans who confirmed the plans for the app, as well as a job listing for a software design engineer.
"Microsoft already ships a separate 'Reader' app for Windows 8, so it’s possible that the company is planning to redesign and rebuild it with Xbox branding. The existing Reader app is a fairly basic viewer with support for PDF, XPS, and TIFF files," it said.
It also cited a job listing discovered by LiveSino indicating Microsoft is hunting for a software design engineer to build "a groundbreaking interactive reading app on Windows, which incorporates books, magazines, and comics."
On the other hand, The Verge noted Xbox Music and Xbox Video apps run across Windows 8, Windows Phone, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.
Still, it said it is not clear at this time if Microsoft is also porting the new reading app to its Xbox consoles.
"The promise of books, magazines, and comics integration suggests this upcoming Xbox branded reading app could be the first full example of Microsoft’s Nook investment. The software maker partnered with Barnes & Noble for a $300 million investment in late 2012, but Microsoft has not yet integrated the Nook services into its own apps in any meaningful way," The Verge noted.
Meanwhile, The Verge said Microsoft’s Office team is also developing its own "Office Reader" app for Windows 8.
It said Office Reader is designed to be a "cross-format tool for consuming different types of content, including PDFs and textbooks." — LBG, GMA News