Microsoft Reader 2.0 Previewed at Seybold San Francisco 2001

New Version Features Full DRM Support for Pocket PC 2002 and Increase in Activations

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 26, 2001 — Available for preview this week at Seybold San Francisco 2001 is the new Microsoft® Reader 2.0. The new version enables premium content on both Pocket PC 2002 devices and Windows® based PCs and laptops. Microsoft Reader allows up to four activations for mobile users, enabling people to share the same eBook on as many as four devices, such as a desktop PC at work or at home, a laptop and a Pocket PC. Other features include a user interface redesign, simplified and enhanced navigation, and new text-to-speech accessibility support. The new software will be offered free in early October for Windows-based PCs and laptops (connect-time fees may apply) and included on all new Pocket PC 2002 devices.

"With an installed base of more than 4 million, Microsoft Reader is already among the most successful eBooks software programs available today," said Dick Brass, vice president of technology development at Microsoft Corp. "Now, with a new version that includes increased activations and robust security for the Pocket PC, Microsoft is improving the whole reading experience. This version incorporates critical feedback from our customers and partners. Premium titles are now available to all users, the software looks better and is easier to use, and we've doubled the number of devices on which users can access their content."

Because of full content availability on Pocket PC 2002 devices and increased activations, publishers and retailers likely can expect renewed interest in electronic reading.

"St. Martin's Press is very excited to be able to offer thousands of our titles to this new set of potential eBook readers," said Steve Cohen, chief operating officer at St. Martin's Press. "Now that the Pocket PC provides us with the level of security that publishers and authors feel comfortable with, we expect to see significant increases in eBook sales."

With Microsoft Reader, the first electronic reading software with patented ClearType® display technology, users get a high-quality, comfortable reading environment on their computer screen that more closely approximates the look of paper. Thousands of great Microsoft Reader eBook titles from top U.S. and international publishers are available on leading booksellers' Web sites. Microsoft Reader is localized in five languages: English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.

"With full support of Microsoft Reader now available on Pocket PC 2002, Microsoft offers a high-quality reading device, in addition to all the power of the Pocket PC," said Ben Waldman, vice president of the Mobile Device Division at Microsoft. "The search and look-up functions make this a superior reference device, while the screen quality and availability of ClearType make it great for immersive reading."

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT" ) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.

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