Microsoft will shut down Nokia Reading app and ebook service after December 31

Microsoft has sent emails to users of its Nokia Reading app and ebook service, alerting them to the news that it has "reached maturity" and it will be shut down after December 31. The app was first launched for Windows Phone in May 2012 but has not been updated in nearly two years.

In its emails, Microsoft said that Nokia Reading users should download their already purchased ebooks to their device before December 31 so they don't lose them. After that date, the app won't be able to be used to purchase or download ebooks. If users delete the app from their smartphone, any ebooks that have been downloaded will be lost. The email added, "Data specific to Nokia Reading will be deleted. Your Nokia Account will remain active however, and data associated with this – including your credit card information – will continue to be stored securely by Nokia."

As to why Microsoft is shutting down Nokia Reading, the email stated, "The service has reached maturity, and we have decided that it should no longer be available for download. We have taken this decision knowing that there are many other eReading apps, such as Kindle and Audible available in the Microsoft Store."

Do you think Microsoft should keep Nokia Reading around for a while longer? Thanks to Andy and Michael for the tips!

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John Callaham