Microsoft releases all-in-one Office app for Android

[David Matthews]

Why it matters: Microsoft has simplified its Word, Powerpoint, and Excel apps on Android by combining them into a single unified application. This could be a good way to save time when working on multiple types of documents at once. Unfortunately, Android tablets and Chromebooks aren't fully supported while iOS has been left out for now.

Microsoft has finally released its unified Office app after months of beta testing. The app allows the use of Word, Powerpoint, and Excel without having to download separate apps for each. Additional features include OneDrive integration and scanning documents using Office Lens.

Microsoft started testing in early 2019 before releasing a public preview later that year. It seemingly ended the program, however, despite a few APK files being leaked out.

Generally speaking, Microsoft Office on mobile was already considered a great alternative for productivity on the go -- and mostly free. Both Google and Microsoft split their productivity apps up which could be useful if you only use one or two of those applications. However, having a unified app certainly simplifies things if you're comfortable in Microsoft's ecosystem.

There are a few caveats to be aware of. First, while the app is available for Android, it doesn't seem to play nice with Android tablets and Chromebooks. In fact, even on phones, the app can't be used in landscape mode. iPhone users and iOS tablets have not received this unifying update either, somewhat ironic because the iPad is a very capable document creating device, however we'll likely learn more about upcoming updates later this year.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/84071-microsoft-releases-all-one-office-app-android.html

 

[Wondringallowed]

If I were a big software company with clout, I would insist on Android getting updated, so that it might get features common on computers in, say 1995, before I would ever make software for it.

But that's just me, preferring the simply practical over the not very practical.

 

[Uncle Al]

If I were a big software company with clout, I would insist on Android getting updated, so that it might get features common on computers in, say 1995, before I would ever make software for it.

But that's just me, preferring the simply practical over the not very practical.

Somehow I don't think Google gives a flip about what Microsoft wants ...... just saying .....

 

[fps4ever]

If I were a big software company with clout, I would insist on Android getting updated, so that it might get features common on computers in, say 1995, before I would ever make software for it.

But that's just me, preferring the simply practical over the not very practical.

Say what? You do realize people live off their phones now. Most don't even want to lug around a laptop anymore. This seems well suited for management review and or editing documents as an all in one app.

 

[Rcrow]

Microsoft breaking things makes me a lot of money. And I complain about them a lot.

Because I have so much bad to say about them I've been making an effort to point out that they have really been impressing me with a couple of things in the last couple of quarters.

I really think the work they have been putting in to notice how people actually use their services and adjusting their product offerings is paying off. Microsoft 365 now looks like all a business needs for most small business. And they have simplified things to where the idea of being taught a new office product doesn't instantly cause users to curl up in a catatonic coma.

The way they have reworked my online work to tie in with my local apps and searches is effective.
This year there is a lot more just sitting people down with an office product and showing them how SharePoint or a custom workflow ties into what they already know and makes their life easier. Less me spending 90 days working to adjust a third party product that they paid an insane amount of money for to actually function inside their business the way they want it to.

I have even replaced all of my various shortcuts for direct apps with the actual office launcher on my taskbar. having it pop up the last couple word and Excel spreadsheets SharePoint sites I've been visiting actually does help me.

As far as their office and as you're offerings this year Microsoft has exceeded My expectations. It's just the 0365 Microsoft 365 and azure sections that I am complimenting here. I want to make sure that the update team is aware of my feelings towards them. You know what products you're updating and breaking and why I'm giving you that look.

I even switched my VOIP system.
Teams works so much better tying in with the files and SharePoint sites that I am collaborating with people in than any other offering. I'm not getting into an argument about slack versus teams I am simply saying that for my workflow, they are wowing my socks off with convenience and functional offerings.

I honestly think that with what they have doing lately they will make it possible for businesses to get rid of many third-party software offerings that they integrate with their office products already. combining the cost savings with the noticeable improvement and workflow having all of the different collaboration tools and ongoing work centralized and easy to get an overview of.

I think that they have reached the level of useful integration and functionality that should make a very large bottom line difference and increase productivity noticeably.

 

[DelJo63]

I always chuckle when contemplating any Office Suite being used on a cellphone ?