Chromebook users can now finally use Microsoft Office apps, though Microsoft did not make an official announcement regarding the matter.
The Chrome OS-powered Chromebooks are now even better at providing an alternative for Windows and macOS machines with the addition of the Microsoft Office suite of applications.
Microsoft Office Now Supported By Chrome OS
Ever since the Google Play Store arrived to the Chrome OS, allowing Chromebooks to run Android apps, owners of the computers have been waiting for official Microsoft Office support.
Microsoft Office was available for certain models such as the new Pixelbook of Google, but the apps did not work properly or did not show up in the Google Play Store for the rest. Microsoft, however, previously promised that Microsoft Office will indeed be released to all Chromebooks but without giving a timeframe on when users can expect the apps to arrive.
Similar to the lack of information on when Microsoft Office for Chromebooks will be launched, Microsoft has apparently rolled out the software quietly.
Chrome Unboxed, upon learning of reports that Chromebooks have been able to run Microsoft Office apps, checked all the Chrome OS devices it owns. All devices can now download Microsoft Office in the Google Play Store, confirming that support for the software is now available on Chromebooks.
How To Get Microsoft Office On Chromebooks
The Android version of Microsoft Office does not carry all the features found in the desktop version of the software. However, for Chromebook owners who prefer to work on Microsoft's apps instead of Google Docs, the wait for Microsoft Office software has been far too long.
For owners of Chromebooks with 10.1-inch screens and smaller, the only requirement before creating and editing documents on Microsoft Office apps is to log in to them using a Microsoft account.
However, for those who own Chromebooks with larger screens, users will need to have an Office 365 subscription to be able to edit Microsoft Office documents.
Chromebook News
In October, Google announced the Pixelbook alongside the new Pixel 2 smartphones and new Google Home smart speakers. The Chrome OS-powered Pixelbook, however, was reviewed as a very overpriced Chromebook with its $1,000 price tag.
Fortunately, there are many other cheaper but still very effective Chromebooks in the market, including models from Asus, Acer, and HP. There are also reports that Samsung is working on a 2-in-1 Chromebook with a detachable keyboard and powered by an Intel Kaby Lake chip, which might be something to look forward to for fans of the Chrome OS-powered computers.
