Not too long ago, Microsoft unveiled Office for iPad, which included touch-centric Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Now, according to a new rumor, Microsoft will roll out a touch-centric version of Office for Android, before the company even releases a Modern version of Office for Windows.
Citing her sources who wish to remain unnamed, Mary Jo Foley states that an Android version of Microsoft’s touch-first Office suite will be arriving ahead of the Windows 8 version. The Modern-style Office suite for Windows is now rumored for a Spring 2015 release, instead of a Fall 2014 release.
It all has to do with market share, as Foley states. Microsoft is looking to become a cross-platform software and services provider. In fact, CEO Nadella even stated that Microsoft would not be bound to one app, on one device, in one place. Since Office brings in a lot of money for Microsoft, it makes sense for the company to branch out to Android too.
Office for Windows 8, codename Gemini, is now rumored for release in the Spring of 2015 and will offer up a Modern-style, touch-first version of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Further reading: Android, Microsoft, Office, Windows 8.1
