Times Reader from Microsoft and New York Times

Microsoft now plans to help newspapers gain some audience through a new software application, which would ship with their upcoming Windows Vista operating system.

The software giant is developing Times Reader application in collaboration with New York Times, which would make it easier for PC users to read on the computer screen.

Gates was speaking at a newspaper editors’ conference in Seattle when he showcased this application, which would use the graphics power of Windows Vista to make text more readable on computer screens.

Users would be able to view the digital content on any screen size or change the font size. Layout of the content would automatically adjust itself to the size and the surrounding elements on the page.

New York Times Co. Chairman Arthur Sulzberger Jr. spoke about Times Reader: “The Times Reader is a great next step in melding the readability and portability of the newspaper with the interactivity and immediacy of the Web.”

This application essentially make use of the Windows Presentation Foundation engine and would help the newspaper companies maintain the look of their print editions on the computer screens.

Gates added: “The Times Reader is a powerful example of how companies can use software to forge new types of customer connections that span beyond the browser to the desktop and mobile devices.”

Microsoft would also be making this application available for download in the coming months for the users of Windows XP operating system.

However, someone needs to clarify on how this application further innovates on the various e-book readers Microsoft has developed in the past?