Office for Android apps for smartphones arrive on Google Play

24 Jun 2015

Microsoft has released the full version of Office for Android devices running 4.4 and higher, unleashing Word, Excel and PowerPoint fully into the Android ecosystem.

Previously available as a preview, the apps are now available on Google Play.

In November, Microsoft – as part of its more open spiritual awakening under the tutelage of Satya Nadella – made the apps available for the iPhone.

This was followed by a preview version of the apps for Android tablets and in May with preview versions for Android smartphones.

android-office-apps

Word, Excel and PowerPoint on Android devices.

Kirk Koenigsbauer, corporate vice president for the Office Client Applications and Services team, said that during the preview the apps were tested on more than 1,900 different Android phone models in 83 countries.

“During the preview, we heard from thousands of these users, and over the last few weeks we were able to incorporate a lot of their feedback into the apps we’re launching today,” Koenigsbauer said.

“For example, we made it easier to connect to other popular third-party storage offerings like Google Drive and Box, as well as many usability adjustments to make it easier to navigate commands within the apps.”

Users can download the Word for AndroidExcel for Android and PowerPoint for Android apps from the Google Play store beginning today.

Android smartphone image via Shutterstock

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com