Microsoft reportedly works on its Office productivity suite version specifically designed for Android tablets.
The company currently works on its beta version which will be tested with several users soon. The version will be fully launched later this year but it seems the apps will be introduced before the Office for Windows touch version which will be debuted in 2015. The version is expected to have a finger-friendly interface just like the iPad version.
Meanwhile, the Microsoft Office designed for iPads will have Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote, Access, Visio, Outlook and Publisher. The company is said to launch a private beta test, accepting participants via a pre-release program where individuals and companies can register at the Microsoft SharePoint website. The pre-release program will have all the aspects of Microsoft's productivity suite where company users can sign up to beta test versions of SharePoint, Exchange and Project.
"Our goal continues to be to delight users wherever they are and on whatever device they are using by giving them the full power of native Office apps," incoming Microsoft chief executive officer Satya Nadella said. The company is reportedly asking for help for the beta test. Microsoft plans to focus the company on mobile and cloud. "We will not be bound to one app, one device, in one place," he tweeted.
Microsoft is also improving its Office Online to compete with Google Docs better. It is also said to be working on whole new tools such as the rumored Office Reader. These are all in addition to the next Office desktop version which does not have too many information about an upcoming release. Microsoft also works on a new Office version for Mac which will also be introduced later this year.
The pre-release program may offer more than the technical previews of a desktop-centric version. People who use Microsoft services extensively might want to check out the special program. The company may also make the apps free for download but with most features such as editing requiring a $99 yearly subscription. Office's Android phone apps from last summer require subscriptions for the users to use all the features as well.
