Microsoft Office 2013 Web Apps go live

23 Oct 2012

The latest version of Microsoft’s Office Web Apps are now live via SkyDrive and Outlook.com, with added editing and formatting controls and expanded device support.

The online, browser-based versions of Microsoft’s productivity tools have left their preview phase behind and are now available in their final iteration.

Office Web Apps have been optimised to work with Internet Explorer 10, Windows 8 and iOS 6, with touch-friendly editing controls enabled and a clean, new look inspired by the latest Windows UI.

Word Web App now features page layout and picture tools and word count, and it also supports viewing and adding comments.

The Excel Web App gives users more control over spreadsheets with context menus, merge cells, auto-fit columns, formula assistance, fill handle, AutoSum and the ability to print from the browser. Data visualisation has also been improved, allowing users to create high-fidelity charges in 2D and 3D.

The PowerPoint Web App is now closer to the desktop client, with high-resolution slides, full transitions, viewable comments, and audio and video playback. Users now have the ability to add images, transitions and animations, or a pre-designed theme to their presentations and support for co-authoring and comments is enabled.

Finally, OneNote Web App features improved search and the ability to share notes as a URL.

The Office Web Apps are available now on SkyDrive.

Elaine Burke is the host of For Tech’s Sake, a co-production from Silicon Republic and The HeadStuff Podcast Network. She was previously the editor of Silicon Republic.

editorial@siliconrepublic.com