Why Microsoft Discontinued MS Reader and Why PDF Support in Edge Matters
Microsoft's decision to discontinue the MS Reader app was a strategic move reflecting the changing landscape of digital reading. This article explores the key reasons behind the discontinuation and the subsequent integration of PDF support into Microsoft Edge.
Why Microsoft Discontinued MS Reader
Shift to Modern Platforms: As the market evolved, mobile devices and apps like Kindle and Apple Books gained prominence, making the MS Reader less competitive. With the focus shifting towards mobile devices, Microsoft redirected its efforts towards more versatile and modern e-reading platforms.
Focus on Other Products: Microsoft has traditionally prioritized its other successful products and services, such as the Microsoft Edge browser and the Office suite. The MS Reader app, being an older product, did not align with this strategic focus.
Limited User Base: The MS Reader app had a smaller user base compared to its competitors. Maintaining and updating the app became less justifiable from a business standpoint.
Technological Advances: Advances in digital rights management (DRM) and e-book formats led to the emergence of more flexible and competitive solutions that made the MS Reader less relevant.
Integration with Other Services: Microsoft aimed to integrate reading and document management into broader services like OneDrive and Office 365, offering users a more comprehensive experience. This shift allowed for better integration and collaboration within the Microsoft ecosystem.
The Shift to Microsoft Edge
With the advent of the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, Microsoft integrated PDF support directly into the Edge browser, covering all the functionality of the MS Reader app except for the ability to remember previously opened documents.
But why build PDF support into Edge at all? Understanding this decision involves looking at Microsoft's broader strategy.
Microsoft's Strategy and PDF Support
Microsoft Encourages Native PDF Support: Like Google, Microsoft views PDF as a document format for the web. PDFs are among the most-downloaded file formats, making them an essential part of modern web browsing. Integrating PDF support into the browser aligns with this vision and ensures a seamless user experience.
PDF vs. HTML, CSS, and Images: Unlike other file formats, PDFs often encapsulate documents that include text, images, and sometimes interactive elements. These documents are commonly shared online and downloaded by users. HTML, CSS, and images can be viewed without needing separate programs, so why shouldn't the same be true for PDFs?
Convenience over Complexity: Users value convenience. By integrating PDF support into Edge, Microsoft enhances the overall user experience. Users can view, search, and interact with PDFs directly within the browser without the need to download and open separate applications. This seamless integration simplifies workflows and makes digital content more accessible.
Conclusion
Microsoft's decision to discontinue the MS Reader app was a strategic move that aligned with its broader digital transformation. The integration of PDF support into Edge represents a forward-thinking approach to modern web browsing. This shift not only enhances the usability of Edge but also aligns with Microsoft's vision for a more comprehensive and integrated digital ecosystem.