Source: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2411834,00.asp
Report: Microsoft Office Mobile for iOS, Android Coming in 2013
- November 7, 2012 10:43am EST
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Microsoft’s Office suite will be available on your iOS and Android devices by early 2013, according to a new report.
Citing “several sources close to Microsoft’s plans,” The Verge reported today that Redmond plans to release the mobile version of its popular desktop software in the form of free apps for smartphone and tablet users next year.
“At this time we have no comment,” a Microsoft spokeswoman said in an email to PCMag.
The app will require a Microsoft username and password, The Verge reported, adding that initially, the account will provide basic viewing functionality in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, while Office 365 subscribers can edit documents.
Office Mobile will allow users to purchase access to the subscription-based Office 365 within the app. The Verge reported that Redmond will also provide organizations with unique codes to hand out for enabling editing functionality.
The iOS app is expected in February or March, while an Android version should come in May, the blog said.
Last month, a Microsoft exec said during an event in the Czech Republic that Office Mobile is coming next year, but Microsoft later said that pronouncement was “not accurate.”
Reports about Office Mobile have been making the rounds for months. In May, Boy Genius Report (BGR) cited a “reliable source” and said the offering would be available by year’s end. A few weeks later, Business Insider reported a November rollout for an iPad-compatible Office suite.
Microsoft launched its newest operating system, Windows 8, last month. For more, see PCMag’s hands on with Microsoft Office 2013 and Office 365 and the slideshow above.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated at 2:15 p.m. Eastern with comment from Microsoft.
