Third Office for Mac 2011 Beta Reveals New Icons, Splash Screens, more

By rajputwarrior
in Apple (macOS)

 Share

Recommended Posts

Grand Master

rajputwarrior

Posted
Posted
105601-office_2011_icons.jpg

Microsoft is continuing to push forward with work on Office for Mac 2011, issuing a third beta release of the productivity suite in advance of a final release scheduled for launch around the end of the year. With Office 2011's features and functionality becoming firmed up, Microsoft has begun putting more effort into some of the finishing touches that offer some obvious visual changes.

105559-word_2011_splash.png

Some of those changes included in the latest beta version are new icons and splash screens for the Office applications, as well as minor tweaks to several toolbar and ribbon icons. Application interfaces otherwise appear largely the same as in earlier beta versions, although Microsoft is undoubtedly continuing to refine its flagship productivity suite with functionality fixes and enhancements.

105559-word_2011_welcome_500.jpg

We'll keep our eyes peeled for information on more substantial functional changes included in the latest beta as testers put it through its paces.

http://www.macrumors.com/2010/05/25/third-office-for-mac-2011-beta-reveals-new-icons-splash-screens-and-more/#

Grand Master

PyX

Posted
Posted

AHA! I knew Beta 3 was coming somewhere around today. Just take a look in the Beta 2 thread, it was my prediction :)

Beta 2 expired today, so it was pretty obvious something better was coming.

Those new Splash screens? why don?t they take the ones in Windows? I?m sure they would fit in OS X and even if not, they?re much better than these.

And those new icons? I simply cannot stand them. If they?re the final icons, first thing I?ll do is change them when it?s installed. They really are that ugly to me.

Grand Master

Quillz

Posted
Posted

I actually really like those icons. Very interesting, and definitely a big change from the icons used in the past few versions.

If Microsoft optimized their applications for a change they wouldn't need splash screens to keep us distracted while the thing is taking ages starting up.

I find Office 2011 to be quite a bit quicker than both 2004 and 2008 was. It's probably not fully optimized as you've pointed out, but Beta 2 loaded up for me in seconds, whereas even 2008 could take anywhere from 10-20 seconds.

Grand Master

Quillz

Posted
Posted

So I came across some more pics of Beta 3. Seems the Ribbon is going to be quite customizable...

ribbon5.png

There are four different "levels" for the Ribbon... You can have it displayed fully, hide a portion of it, hide it entirely in favor of a simpler toolbar and then even hide the toolbar entirely so you're left with virtually a blank page...

ribbon1.pngribbon2.pngribbon3.pngribbon4.png

Word 2011 will still have the Notebook Layout view, which is somewhat similar to OneNote, although not quite as powerful.

notebook_layout1.pngnotebook_layout2.pngnotebook_layout3.pngnotebook_layout4.png

Grand Master

PyX

Posted
Posted

Why cannot they have a native UI, then I would pay and use this software.

You mean go back to the Office 2008 inspector ? No thanks for me.

For Office 2011 specifically, I prefer having a non-standard interface that works, rather than a standard interface that doesn?t.

Explorer

ThothTD

Posted
Posted

You mean go back to the Office 2008 inspector ? No thanks for me.

For Office 2011 specifically, I prefer having a non-standard interface that works, rather than a standard interface that doesn't.

I think the UI of 2011 is way better than 2008, but it's not enough for me to change. I guess I prefer my applications look (etc) more universal.

Mentor

rawr_boy81

Posted
Posted

Looking better with each beta; I do hope that it improves over 2008 as so far as responsiveness because once Word starts to get a large complex file the speed doesn't just slow gracefully - it goes off the cliff.

Grand Master

what

Posted
Posted

Why cannot they have a native UI, then I would pay and use this software.

Because Apple's native UI doesn't work well when there are so many features to make accessible within a couple of clicks. Windows had the same problem, and the ribbon cures it.

Enthusiast

Simon.

Posted
Posted

Are there any changes to Messenger for Mac?

The new icons looks nice, with the exception being Messenger.

For Office 2011 specifically, I prefer having a non-standard interface that works, rather than a standard interface that doesn't.

I wouldn't say the 2010 UI is non-standard, it's different; but I think it fits Windows 7 better than 2007 does.

Grand Master

.Neo

Posted
Posted

Because Apple's native UI doesn't work well when there are so many features to make accessible within a couple of clicks. Windows had the same problem, and the ribbon cures it.

At least use the correct Mac OS X keyboard shortcuts instead of the Windows ones.

I really like the icons though.

Grand Master

crazzyyfool

Posted
Posted

t_1mc0kx31gynm_8941f37.png

t_1mc0kx31gynm_1b66d1a.png

t_1mc0kx31gynm_e5cb3e4.png

t_1mc0kx31gynm_fe0c4c9.png

t_1mc0kx31gynm_4881d8d.png

New build of Messenger. Version 8.0.0. Build 100519.

t_1mc0kx31gynm_9a3e12e.png

What is Communicator? Also version 8.0.0. Build 100519. blink.gif

t_1mc0kx31gynm_3533b54.png

t_1mc0kx31gynm_262fd5c.png

Have to say, this new suite of apps is gearing up quite nicely. It runs very fast compared to 2008.

Grand Master

gigapixels Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted

What is Communicator? Also version 8.0.0. Build 100519.

Communicator is a centralized chat system for use in corporate networks and the like. It's actually very useful (Y)

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Posts

    • Windows 10 quietly gets one more year of support and updates

      By spaceship9876 · Posted

      will EU users be getting the extra 1yr update for free again?
    • Samsung announces Galaxy A27 5G with 120Hz AMOLED display, expanded AI features, and more

      By Fiza Ali · Posted

      Samsung announces Galaxy A27 5G with 120Hz AMOLED display, expanded AI features, and more by Fiza Ali Samsung has announced the Galaxy A27 5G, its latest mid-range smartphone, bringing a handful of upgrades over last year's Galaxy A26 5G. While the changes aren't dramatic, they touch several areas that people tend to notice most in day-to-day use, including the display, performance, and software support. One of the more noticeable updates is the screen. The Galaxy A27 5G comes with a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display that now supports a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and animations appear smoother. Samsung has also switched to an Infinity-O punch-hole camera design, which leaves more room for the display and gives the phone a cleaner look from the front. Under the hood, the Galaxy A27 5G is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor. The company says the new chip brings improved responsiveness in multitasking, gaming, and media consumption. The company also highlights GPU performance improvements and faster memory technology, which should contribute to smoother graphics rendering, quicker data handling, and improved power efficiency. Furthermore, Samsung has equipped the Galaxy A27 5G with a 12-megapixel selfie camera that is capable of capturing a wider dynamic range and more accurate colours. Like many smartphones launched recently, the Galaxy A27 5G also places a strong focus on AI features. Circle to Search with Google now supports multi-object recognition, making it easier to search for different products or items at the same time. The tech giant says the feature can also support virtual outfit try-ons directly from compatible search results. Photo editing tools are getting some attention as well, with Object Eraser updated to deliver cleaner edits when removing unwanted objects or people from images. Meanwhile, the Voice Recorder app can now transcribe and translate speech simultaneously in one of the 22 supported languages, which could be useful for meetings, lectures, or interviews. Samsung is also expanding AI assistant options on the device, with support for Google Gemini and Perplexity alongside Bixby. The company says these assistants will work more closely with Galaxy apps, including Gallery, to simplify common tasks. Samsung continues to strengthen its long-term software support policy with the Galaxy A27 5G. The smartphone will receive up to six generations of Android OS and One UI updates, along with six years of security patches from its initial global launch. In terms of security, the device includes Samsung Knox and Knox Vault, which are designed to help protect sensitive information stored on the phone. On the flip side, while the company is positioning the Galaxy A27 5G as a step forward from its predecessor, not every change is necessarily an upgrade. One of the first things buyers may notice is the higher price tag. The device launches at $349, making it $50 more expensive than the Galaxy A26 5G's $299 starting price. The selfie camera has also been reduced from 13MP to 12MP, while the ultrawide camera drops from 8MP to 5MP. Samsung has further downgraded the phone's dust and water resistance rating from IP67 to IP64. The Galaxy A27 5G is also marginally thicker at 7.8mm. The Galaxy A27 5G will be available in select markets starting July 3 and will come in four colour options, including Black, Blue, Light Green, and Light Pink. The company will also offer Samsung Care+ coverage plans for customers seeking additional device protection.
    • This Chinese company is reportedly developing a feature Apple and Samsung can only dream of

      By Liberi_Fatali · Posted

      Doogee and Ulefone regularly release phones with 10k-25k mAh batteries, but those are bricks. I don't understand how they could make it only weigh 220 grams with a battery that size.
    • Windows 10 quietly gets one more year of support and updates

      By TarasBuria · Posted

      Windows 10 quietly gets one more year of support and updates by Taras Buria Windows 10 reached its end of life at the end of 2025. Microsoft kicked off the Extended Security Updates program, aimed at giving regular consumers one more year of security-only updates. By doing so, Microsoft gave users more time and money to update their computers to a newer operating system or compatible hardware. Now, with the end of the Extended Security Updates program quickly approaching, Microsoft is making an important adjustment. Users discovered that the official support article for the program now lists a new end-of-support date: The Extended Security Updates program is not a new concept. It has been an official way for business consumers to continue receiving critical updates for unsupported Microsoft products for many years. However, all this time, it was a business-only, paid feature. With Windows 10, Microsoft brought ESU to regular consumers, allowing them to get security updates for Windows 10 past October 2025 essentially for free. When Windows 10 was approaching the end of support, many guessed that Microsoft might adjust its support timelines, and this is exactly what seems to be happening. Of course, Microsoft would love everyone to switch to new computers, such as its latest Surface devices, but in the days of ever-growing hardware prices, not everyone is lucky enough to have money for a new PC. Leaving hundreds of millions of customers with a Windows version that no longer receives security updates is a major risk that Microsoft is not willing to take. If you have a Windows 10 PC to enroll in the Extended Security Updates program, check out this guide to learn how to do so.
    • Sony announces Bungie layoffs that will affect "significant number of employees"

      By LoneWolfSL · Posted

      Sony announces Bungie layoffs that will affect "significant number of employees" by Pulasthi Ariyasinghe Sony today announced that major layoffs are happening at its first-party studio Bungie, the developer that has spawned series like Halo, Destiny, and Marathon over the past decades. The news arrives just weeks after Bungie delivered the final update to Destiny 2, and it's that team being hit with the layoffs the most. CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment Hermen Hulst revealed the staff reduction today, calling it "painful news." "Over the past several months, together with Bungie leadership, we reviewed the studio’s long-term direction, development priorities, resource needs, and role within our broader portfolio strategy," said Hulst, explaining the decision. "We explored multiple alternatives before concluding that a reduction was necessary to align the studio’s resources with its current priorities and long-term goals." The layoffs will be hitting "a significant number of employees" across most of the Destiny franchise development team. It doesn't look like Sony is planning to continue the series following Destiny 2's sunsetting update. The studio is said to be in early stages of looking at other projects to pivot to, but it's said that keeping the size of the team at current levels is no longer feasible. "We know this decision has a profound impact on the people affected, their families, friends, and teammates," said Bungie leadership in a separate message on social media. "While these changes are necessary to best position the studio now and for the future, that does not lessen the difficulty of this moment or the impact it has on those affected." At the same time, "some" of the Marathon development team are also affected by the layoffs. The recently released multiplayer-only extraction shooter title hasn't seen a big boom of players either, but the company is reportedly hoping that the live service experience will pick up players with future updates.

  • Recent Achievements

    • First Post
      kinowa earned a badge
      First Post
    • Rookie
      krychek57 went up a rank
      Rookie
    • Grand Master
      Jaybonaut went up a rank
      Grand Master
    • One Year In
      Philsl earned a badge
      One Year In
    • Dedicated
      Scoobystu earned a badge
      Dedicated

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      438
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      168
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      133
    4. 4
      Xenon
      77
    5. 5
      Michael Scrip
      75
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!