Microsoft has released the Office for Android phones preview for users. The software maker is giving people a chance to preview an "early look" of Excel, Word and PowerPoint apps. Microsoft is asking users to download the preview to provide feedback and help improve Office for its final launch on Android smartphones.
To start testing users have to join the Office for Android community. Testing can be done on a handset running Android KitKat 4.4 or higher with at least 1 GB of RAM. The Office for Android preview will allow users to create, open, save and edit files in the cloud from their Android devices or you can access them through services like SharePoint, OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive and Box.
Office for Android phones will also help in track changes, comment and markup documents in case you are collaborating with others on a project. Office App for Android smartphones will compete with Google's Docs, Sheets and Slides apps along with a number of third-party Office alternatives. The move is a part of the company’s strategy of offering its apps on other mobile operating systems by expanding the Office program to Android phones. According to reports the new apps will replace the Office Mobile hub on Android once the full version is launched.
Microsoft said in a blog post, “The Office for Android phone apps are modern, optimised for touch, and designed for work on the go. Familiar navigation and menu options in the ribbon are placed at the bottom of the screen within reach of your thumbs so you can easily review and edit documents on your phone.” It added, “Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps make documents, spreadsheets and presentations look their best on your Android phone. Do great work – anywhere, anytime." Microsoft has previously released its Office apps for iPhone, Android tablets, Windows Phone, iPad, as well as the Google Play store. During the preview period, the Office Mobile app for Android phones will continue to appear in the Play Store. "We will disclose more about our plans for this app later in the year when we announce general availability of the new Office for Android phone apps," Microsoft said.
Source: Microsoft Office