But with advances in hardware and more immersive reading now possible with ClearType, Brass thinks the time now may be right.

CNN: Microsoft banks on ClearType to spur electronic books

"Immersive reading technologies will provide a future tablet PC with the ability to be a good read as well as a good write, " Brass said.

CNN: Microsoft banks on ClearType to spur electronic books

The tablet PC, which Brass calls the "continuous Holy Grail of computing, " will also become more of a reality once immersive reading technologies such as ClearType take off.

CNN: Microsoft banks on ClearType to spur electronic books

ComiXology's Guided View reading technology transforms the comic book medium into an immersive and cinematic experience, helping comiXology become one of iTunes top 10 grossing iPad apps in both 2011 and 2012.

ENGADGET: Marvel giving away over 700 free first issue digital comics (for real, totally seriously this time)