What you need to know
- Microsoft is revoking access to books purchased from the Microsoft Store this month.
- Refunds will be given out for all book purchases.
- This follows the closing of the Microsoft Store's books category in April.
Microsoft began the process of shutting down the Microsoft Store's "books" category in April, and now it's moving on to revoking access to any previously purchased books. While Microsoft never gave a hard date by which people would lose access to their books, its support document cited "early July" as the cutoff.
If you had any books purchased from the Microsoft Store in your collection, Microsoft will be issuing refunds. From the accompanying support document:
Refund processing for eligible customers start rolling out automatically in early July 2019 to your original payment method. If your original payment method is no longer valid and on file with us, you will receive a credit back to your Microsoft account for use online in Microsoft Store.
Microsoft never gave a reason for the closure of the book section, but it's likely the majority of people reading digital books were mostly opting to do their reading on devices like the Kindle. Microsoft Edge was the dedicated reader for books from the Microsoft Store, but with the browser making the move to Chromium, that integration was likely on the chopping block. Without a dedicated mobile app, it probably wouldn't make sense for most to purchase books via the Microsoft Store.
Though books on the Microsoft Store may be going away, Amazon and Apple's platforms are likely the best alternative for doing your digital reading.
Our favorite computer speakers for less $100
Team Windows Central wholeheartedly recommends each of these computer speaker setups, because they all bring the NOISE and will not wound your wallet.
Bose Companion 2 Series III speakers ($99 at Dell)
If you want great sound quality and value, then you want Bose. You too can have room-filling, immersive sound, so Bose says in every advertisement.
Logitech Z313 speaker system with subwoofer ($49 at Dell)
The Z313 comes with a powered subwoofer and two satellite speakers to deliver 25 watts of total power. That's enough to fill your room and then some.
GOgroove BassPULSE ($50 at Dell)
These are clearly the coolest-looking speakers recommended here, but they're not all flash and guile – these speakers can produce amazing highs and lows, for just $50.
