Microsoft Office coming soon to iOS and Android devices

After all the speculation, it appears MS Office will arrive in early 2013 for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad (and Android). The MS Office mobile version will include separate apps for Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Users are required to have a Microsoft account to view documents. However, you need to purchase an Office 365 subscription in order to edit the files. Basically, users can enjoy the basic features of the MS Office for free. While this may be a good news for some, Tom Warren of The Verge believed otherwise:

Microsoft will allow iOS users to purchase an Office 365 subscription within the app, or let organizations distribute codes to enable Office Mobile editing for users. The apps will allow for basic editing, but we’re told this won’t go very far in attempting to replace regular full use of a desktop Office version.

There are many third-party app alternatives of MS Office on App Store, yet Microsoft is the champion when it comes to office applications. And if the Verge’s sources are correct, Microsoft will confidently throw the hat in the ring of mobile applications despite the fierce competition of productivity apps.

Despite the lack of advanced features, users will likely support the arrival of MS Office in March 2013, its rumored drop date. We’ll have to wait and see if MS Office proves enough for the iOS community, or if they still prefer other business/productivity apps regardless of the Microsoft’s track record.

Via [The Verge]