Microsoft last night unveiled its all new Office 2013, that
incorporates touch, stylus, mouse or keyboard across all Windows devices
and fully integrates its recent acquisition, Skype.
Users will also get 60 Skype world minutes free every month.
Most importantly, Microsoft has made it pretty clear that it will now allow Google Docs to take over its share of the business and unveiled a fully cloud-integrated suit.
Anyone using a Windows-based product can now download the preview version of Office 2013 from here. According to Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer the new Office is social and unlocks modern scenarios in reading, note-taking, meetings and communications and will be delivered to subscribers through a cloud service that is always up to date.
“We are taking bold steps at Microsoft,” Ballmer said at the press conference in San Francisco.
“The new, modern Office will deliver unparalleled productivity and flexibility for both consumers and business customers. It is a cloud service and will fully light-up when paired with Windows 8.”
A cloud-based subscription service will allow subscribers to automatically get future upgrades in addition to exciting cloud services including Skype world minutes and extra SkyDrive storage.
Office saves documents to SkyDrive by default, so a user’s content is always available across the tablet, PC and phone.
The documents will also be available offline and sync when the user reconnects.
Not just a subscription will allow multiple installs for everyone in the family and across their devices.
While the full lineup of offerings and pricing plans will be announced in the fall, Ballmer discussed three new Office 365 subscription services.
When available, each new subscription offer will include the new 2013 editions of the Office applications — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher and Access.
In addition, subscribers will receive future rights to version upgrades as well as per-use rights across up to five PCs or Macs and mobile devices
