When it comes to reading eBooks on a Windows device, you really only have two options – Nook or Kindle. Now it looks like Microsoft wants to finally build a reader app to compete with those two options.
Gizmodo reports that a new job listing on Microsoft’s site says the company is looking for an engineer to join its Music, Video and Reading team. The same team has already built products like Xbox Music and Xbox Video, and this job listing makes it appear that their next project may be Xbox Reader.
Here’s the official description:
As an SDE, you will be on the team building a groundbreaking interactive reading app on Windows, which incorporates books, magazines, and comics. In this position you will be expected to drive, design, and deliver the features that you work on. The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills, the ability to work in a fast-paced and collaborative, cross-discipline team environment, and a passion for digital entertainment.
While not a confirmation, it certainly looks like Microsoft is working on its own Reader app. It’s a little strange too considering how much money Microsoft previously pumped into Barnes & Noble. In 2012, Microsoft was pushing the Nook app on Windows 8 as part of their investment. Perhaps Microsoft doesn’t see a future for Nook and is working on a replacement in case Barnes & Noble kills Nook. It could also just be the result of Microsoft wanting its users to stick with its products and services on Windows with the trifecta of Xbox Video, Xbox Music and Xbox Reader.
Whatever the cause – it’s probably safe to say that we’ll be seeing an Xbox Reader app this year. It only makes sense for Microsoft to have its own reading app. After all, both Google and Apple have offered a reading app on their platforms for years now. Microsoft needs to catch up.
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