Adobe Systems Inc. today announced the release of a new Mac beta version of eBook Reader 2.1. Based on Adobe’s portable document format (PDF), eBook Reader 2.1 enables users to read electronic books distributed by online resellers and publishers.
Adobe indicates that eBook Reader 2.1 incorporates new features like CoolType technology, which enables users to modify the font of any Adobe PDF-based eBook to best suit their computer’s display. eBook Reader now sports a two-page layout feature, as well. Users can now click on words to read a definition in the new interactive dictionary. Users can also lend and give their eBook selections to other eBook Reader users, where the publisher grants permission to do so.
System requirements call for a PowerPC-based Mac; Mac OS 9.0 or 9.1; color display with support for 256 colors or more; QuickTime version 4 or later; IE 4.5 or later, Netscape 4.75 or later, or AOL 5.0 or later. Adobe notes that eBook Reader does not yet support Mac OS X, either natively or in ‘Classic’ mode.
eBook Reader 2.1 beta for Mac is being distributed free of charge from Adobe’s Web site. Visit the eBook Reader Web site for more details and instructions to download the software.