Microsoft Office for Android now available

[techbeck]

 

Microsoft is extending its Office mobile software to Android this week, bringing basic editing to smartphones running Android 4.0 or higher. Following the release of Office for iPhone, the Android variant is almost identical in what it provides and its requirements. You'll need to sign into the application using an Office 365 subscription to view or edit documents, and Microsoft isn't providing a standalone or free version.

 

Much like the iPhone version, Office for Android includes a recent documents tab and access to create Word and Excel documents. Microsoft is optimising the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps within this application for phones. There's no plans for an Android tablet version, and Microsoft is recommending users make use of the Office Web Apps on tablets. Just like the Windows Phone and iPhone versions, the editing functionality on the Android edition is very basic. It's designed to simply be used for correction, formatting, and comments. Basic formatting like bold, italics, and font color options are supported, but beyond this it's rather limited.

Documents are all stored on Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud storage service, and can be shared via email using the Android app. There's not a lot of settings included, with the simple ability to change your name that's associated with document comments. One difference from the iPhone version is that there's no option to purchase an Office 365 subscription within the app, replaced simply with a sign-in that requires users to already have an active subscription.

Office for Android is rolling out today in the Google Play store for US customers, and Microsoft says it's "gradually" expanding to 33 other languages and 117 markets soon.

http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/31/4571912/microsoft-office-for-android-features-screenshots

Screenshots

http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/31/4574428/office-for-android-screenshots

 

365 Sub?  NTY.   I will continue using what I am using.  Good for those who already have 365 I guess.

[The Teej]

A step in the right direction, I guess. Lets hope now that Microsoft continues to update this software and perhaps one day brings it on-par with the desktop suites.

[MS Bob 11]

Subscription no thanks. :) Paid license, yes.

[Knife Party]

sweet

[thealexweb]

Subscription no thanks. :) Paid license, yes.

 

That doesn't bring in as much monies :P

[LittleNeutrino Veteran]

sad that even thought they are so close they wont release a standalone version until 2014 so that people who dont want to pay a premium monthly fee to use it can have office on their mobile device.

 

 

Then again I have a windows Phone 8 device and it is running office 2013 :D

[Growled Member]

I'm fine with Polaris Office, thanks. 

[Mando]

I'm fine with Polaris Office, thanks. 

 

Exactly what I was thinking, you've missed this boat MS ;)

[StrikedOut]

I'm fine with Polaris Office, thanks. 

Same here and to be honest, cant remember the last time I opened it.

[articuno1au]

Welllll..

 

5 licenses for $99 (or $120 depending on where you source it) per year for the ENTIRE office suite (which I admit most won't use outside of the core 4 + Outlook) doesn't seem wholly unreasonable given that it entitled you to version updates, skype minutes, extra skydrive storage and did I mention the 5 license thing?

 

Also, allows you to use it on Android. Then there's the whole throwing in 12 months of XBox live if you buy 365.. So ultimately it ends up costing you like.. $30 for your first year..

 

Honestly, so long as the price remains about similar, this is a good thing for consumers >.< If you have more than on machine, you are generally better off with 365.