Microsoft provides office app for windows 8. Microsoft may release as an app in Windows app store when Windows 8 launches.
While the world is busy talking about Windows 8 these days, talks of next Office version and its Metro-ization are also coming up.
When asked to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer about possibility of Metro-ization of next Office version, here’s what Steve said…
“You ought to expect that we are rethinking and working hard on what it would mean to do Office Metro style.”
Windows 8 is not only going to serve PC and laptops but tablets as well and most of us are well aware by now that Windows 8 has got a completely new UI, mainly to cater to the requirements of touch interface UI in tablets. This makes an obvious need for having a customized (or Metro-ized) version of next Office version for tablets.
Although tablets are considered more of a casual device till date, its fast-increasing demand is slowly making it more of a mainstream product and people will obviously want to use it for work purpose, not just for content and media consumption. Metro-ized Office version for Windows 8 will certainly be a sticking point for any Microsoft user. No matter how good Google docs may be, Microsoft Office is still used by over 1 billion people across the globe.
Analysts are speculating that Metro styled Office version for tablets is imminent and will be a major selling point whenever it hits the deck. It may release as an app in Windows app store when Windows 8 launches or it may come later when next office version hits the market in 2012 or 2013.