eBook store opens

barnesandnoble.com and Microsoft are taking a step into the digital content future with the creation of a barnesandnoble.com eBook superstore using Microsoft Reader software.

The eBook initiative will provide barnesandnoble.com's millions of customers with access to thousands of eBook titles through Microsoft Reader, a new software application designed to deliver an on-screen computer reading experience rivaling that offered by traditional paper-based text.

Microsoft Reader is the first product to include ClearType display technology, an innovation that improves font resolution on LCD screens for users of desktop or laptop PCs running the Windows operating system, as well as dedicated reading devices.

The Reader provides an uncluttered display; ample margins; full justification; proper spacing, leading and kerning; and powerful tools for bookmarking, highlighting and annotation. It is expected to arrive in the first half of this year.