As is known, the new version of Microsoft Edge based on Chromium will not support the EPUB document format. However, the company support for this format in Edge classic. Now, when attempting to read a document in the corresponding format, a message appears: 'Download an .epub app to continue reading.'
Thus, the system will no longer support eBooks that use the .epub file extension. The company suggests downloading apps for reading this format from the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft clarified that over time, it will expand the list of applications that support this eBook format. Thus, Redmond is following in Cupertino's footsteps, as Apple’s operating systems also natively support EPUB.
Regarding timing, it is quite logical to assume that the abandonment of EPUB support will occur after the number of applications in the Microsoft Store expands. By the way, the company previously stopped supporting eBooks in Microsoft Edge and shut down the bookstore, refunding users. The functionality of these eBooks is based on a protected version of the EPUB document. However, it remains unclear why Redmond decided to abandon EPUB in Edge altogether. As with PDF files, the browser handles their display quite well. Apparently, this is some sort of business process optimization.
At present, it is unclear whether native support for EPUB will appear in the new Edge and other Chromium-based browsers. While extensions can implement this, there is still no out-of-the-box native support.
Source: 3dnews.ru
