Years of rumors were put to rest yesterday when Microsoft finally unveiled its hugely popular Office Suite for Apple’s iPad.
“Starting Thursday,” the software giant announced, “Office 365 subscribers can simply add an iPad as one of their chosen devices included in their subscription benefits, and can create and edit documents with Word for iPad, PowerPoint for iPad and Excel for iPad.”
Although Office for iPad is available at no charge (the app download, at least, is free) the ability to use the full range of services and tools native to Office will require a 365 subscription.
Not surprisingly, some iPad users are bummed out about the need to pay for Office on iPad. Nonetheless, early reviews are positive and Microsoft appears content to have finally bring Office to Apple’s hugely popular tablet.
All told, Microsoft is promising a “familiar Office experience designed for iPad.”
“What makes these apps unique is that they strike just the right balance between being unmistakably Office and being designed for the iPad,” the company says. “If you use Office on a PC or Mac, the iPad apps feel very familiar, so you are comfortable and confident using these apps right away. The Ribbon layout and experience is familiar, with the most common commands under Home, and Chart commands automatically show up when you select a chart.”
To learn more about Office for iPad, check out the latest entry on the Office Blogs.
