Microsoft took the wraps off their Office for Android app today, as the company announced that it is now available in the Android market place for various Android devices.
“As of August 14, Office for Android will be available in South Africa. You can download and install the “Office Mobile for Office 365 Subscribers” app from the Google Play store. There is no additional fee to download and install the app. In order to use the app, you need to sign in to the app with a qualifying Office 365 account,” Microsoft said in a statement.
Once users have installed the application, they will be able to view, edit and share their Office documents across all their mobile devices including Windows Phone, iPhone and Android. The launch completes the roll-out cycle of delivering Office to all mobile platforms.
“This means that Office 365 subscribers can now work on their Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents from virtually anywhere–using their Windows Phone, iPhone or Android phones,” Microsoft continued.
Giving a bit more detail about the functionality of the app, Microsoft added that users will be able to make use of most of the desktop version’s features.
“Office Mobile is the official companion to Microsoft Office. Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents look great on your phone, thanks to support for charts, animations, SmartArt Graphics, and shapes. When you make edits or add comments to a document, the formatting and layout remain intact. When you return to your PC or Mac, your document looks like it should.”
Microsoft also reassured users that Office for Android has been specifically designed for small, mobile screens.
“Office Mobile has been optimized for the small screen of your phone so you can get things done efficiently. When reviewing Word documents, the Resume Reading feature takes you to the exact point in the document where you left off on your PC so you don’t waste time searching. The new Slide Navigator lets you browse through PowerPoint presentations fast while Speaker Notes help you practice on the run.”
Charlie Fripp – Consumer Tech editor