With the release of the Windows 10 Technical Preview, casual Microsoft fans and heavy users alike experienced the next-gen Windows operating system in progress. However, the Office apps seem to be missing from most previews on Windows phones. But there's good news for Windows Mobile users – Microsoft is planning to launch a preview of its updated Office suite for mobile phones before the month ends.
According to the latest post on Microsoft's official blog, the Redmond-based team will be releasing the Office Universal apps for Windows 10 on mobile phones before the end of April. This is to complement the release of the Office Desktop apps on the Technical Preview of Windows 10.
On the post, Jared Spataro, general manager for the Office marketing team, said of the upcoming launch, "Our Office Universal apps are designed for on-the-go productivity. They're touch-first, built for tablets and phones, and optimized for viewing, quick edits, notes and mark-up."
Essentially, both the desktop and mobile versions of the Office apps for Windows 10 are the same. However, the mobile versions are tweaked for an enhanced user experience, and suited best for touch- and pen-based app navigation for phones and tablets. For example, the Office Universal apps are adapted to the smaller form factor of phones and tablets, and unlike in the desktop version, the controls and user interfaces are moved to the bottom of the screen. The change in interface relates to most phone users using their thumbs when navigating.
Aside from the launch of the mobile version of Office apps, Microsoft is also putting the final touches for the next Office suite for desktops. Most of the apps in the upcoming Office 2016 Suite will sport updated looks and interface to provide a much streamlined productivity, better business intelligence, and user-friendly control and manageability.
