Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) Working On Xbox Reading App

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Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is building an Xbox Reading app for Windows 8. According to a job listing, discovered first by LiveSino, the Seattle-based company is looking for a software development engineer to develop a “groundbreaking interactive reading app” for Windows 8. The app will incorporate magazines, books and comics. The new hire will be working with the Music, Video, and Reading (MVR) team. The same team has already developed Xbox Video and Xbox Music apps for Windows 8.

Why is Microsoft developing another reading app?

It’s a bit surprising to see Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) developing another reading app. But sources familiar with the development told The Verge that the Redmond-based software giant is developing a new app. Microsoft has already launched the “Reader” app for Windows 8. So, there are speculations that the company might be planning to rebuild and redesign it under the Xbox brand. The current Reader app supports XPS, PDF and TIFF files. The already launched Xbox Video and Xbox Music apps run on Xbox One, Xbox 360, Windows and Windows Phone.

Meanwhile, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s Office team is separately developing an “Office Reader” application for Windows 8. The app is a cross-format tool that is compatible with different types of files like PDFs, textbooks, etc. While Microsoft’s Xbox Reading app is developed by the Music, Video, and Reading team, the Office Reader app is being developed by the company’s Office team. Kirk Koenigsbauer, the vice president of Microsoft’s Office division, showcased the Office Reader app at an employee-only event last year.

Microsoft thinking of utilizing its Nook investment?

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) hasn’t officially announced either of the two apps. But the company is expected to launch both Office Reader and Xbox Reading apps later this year. The plans to integrate books, magazines and comics indicate that the Xbox Reading app might be the first full-fledged example of Microsoft’s investment in Nook. In 2012, the software giant poured in $300 million in Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE:BKS)’s Nook business.

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) shares were down 0.33% to $36.44 at 10:29 AM EST.

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