According to an exclusive report from The Verge, sources have informed them that Microsoft plans to launch Microsoft’s Office for iPad, iPhone, and Android in 2013.
According to the report:
[quote] Microsoft’s Office for iPad, iPhone, and Android is a reality. Although Office Mobile has been rumored and reportedly spotted in the wild, Microsoft has remained persistently quiet about its plans for the product. The Verge has learned through several sources close to Microsoft’s plans that the company will release Office versions for Android and iOS in early 2013.[/quote]
The Verge report stated:
[quote] Office Mobile will debut in the form of free apps that allow Android and iOS users to view Microsoft Office documents on the move. Like the existing SkyDrive and OneNote apps, Office Mobile will require a Microsoft account. On first launch, a Microsoft account will provide access to the basic viewing functionality in the apps. Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents will all be supported, and edit functionality can be enabled with an Office 365 subscription.[/quote]
The Verge report confirmed a rumor by Paul Throrrott’s post in early October:
[quote] Additionally, a good source of mine gave me better specifics about general availability: I was told that the general availability of Office 2013 is expected in the last week of January or the first week of February 2013. Furthermore, if you’ve seen rumors about Office 2013 for iOS and Android, they’re happening, but the products will only be made available via the subscription Office offerings, and hit in April. This will give a user rights to use Office on 5 PCs and/or Macs and 5 devices.
You heard it here first.[/quote]
This strategy has divided opinions on whether Microsoft could be making a mistake in releasing their coveted product on competitor’s devices. This move would provide consumers with less incentive to buy a Microsoft Surface or Windows 8 Phone.
On the flip side, Microsoft could be looking to profit from the popularity of iOS and Android given that their Windows Phone OS is not doing great.
Sources: The Verge, WinSupersite
Image Credit: Android Fan
