Office for iOS and Android Previews Found and Release Confirmed

The Verge is claiming that they have previews of the MS Office suite for iOS and Android. This elusive mobile office suite has been spotted before and almost confirmed, but always hidden and denied by Microsoft. For instance, there was an accidental press release from Microsoft that nearly confirmed the mobile apps.

Now, the rumor has some traction again.

Office for iOS and Android will be a suite of free apps that will require a Microsoft account and will allow users to view their files on the go. Users will be able to purchase an Office 365 subscription from within the app and companies will be able to deploy their subscription to employees.

The editing will be very basic and will not replace Office on desktop.

However, there is a while before the release of this suite. The iOS version will come out in late February or early March, with the Android version landing in May.

The Verge reached out to Microsoft and a spokesperson confirmed this by saying "Office will work across Windows Phone, iOS and Android".

Until then, you can use the free CloudOn app that lets you use a cloud-based Microsoft Office remotely on your iPad or Android tablet. The performance isn't great and it requires a constant connection, but it works and it integrates with (requires) a Google Drive, Box.net or Dropbox account.

[The Verge]

Office for iOS and Android Previews Found and Release Confirmed