One of the most interesting announcements at Microsoft's Build 2015 keynote was opening of MS Office to third party add-ins and services that will work with the iOS, Android and web version of the suite.
Microsoft explained the feature by demonstrating an Uber app running inside Outlook. While the plug in was subtly placed in Outlook, the feature allowed one to easily schedule a ride based on calender appointments. This means users will no longer need to “install different apps for different data”. E-mail scheduling app Boomerang will soon launch its plug in.
The move basically centers upon delivering cross-platform applications and doing away with individual apps and their APIs. Microsoft is evidently looking to tap the data on its productivity applications and allow developers to build customized plugins. The company will be making these tools available over the next few months.
Microsoft has already opened its Office apps for Android and iOS platforms. The company recently announced that its Office apps have gone past the 100 million download milestone on Android and iOS platforms.
Microsoft launched Office for iPad last year and stated that it plans to extend its services on other platforms soon. In November, Microsoft made the Office suite free for the iPhone, iPad and Android.
Source: Techcrunch