Microsoft has released an Office Mobile for Office 365 Subscribers app to the Google Play store which may benefit some users of the ubiquitous office suite. “May” is the key word as the app can only be used by those with an Office 365 subscription. In case you are not familiar with Microsoft's Office 365 model, it offers users the ability to use the office suite for a monthly fee of $10, or $100 per year if paid in advance, versus laying out the cash to buy the full office suite. If you have an Office 365 subscription, the app will let you view and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files.
Based on the description, it does not appear the app provides access to some of the other programs that are part of the office suite, notably Outlook and OneNote. According to Microsoft, besides editing and viewing these files, you can review comments made in the documents, add your own comments, and share the updated documents with others via SkyDrive or SharePoint if you have access to those services. Microsoft says formatting of the documents will be preserved, even though they optimize the files for display on smartphones. The app will work even when you are offline and upload changes when the device reconnects to the network.
Microsoft has been working on expanding the app ecosystem for Office, releasing versions for other platforms. Rumors had suggested a late 2013 release date for an Android version of the app, so the release of Office Mobile for Office 365 Subscribers is a welcome surprise for those who had been waiting. It is not clear whether Microsoft will expand the capabilities of the app to cover the entire suite of products.
If you want to give it a try, you can hit the download link below. However, besides the requirement for an Office 365 subscription, Microsoft has limited the app to the U.S. and it can only be installed on smartphones – not tablets – running at least Android 4.0.
Google Play Download Link
Ah MS Office isn’t what it used to be anyways. I wouldn’t waste my money on it
wow, microsoft just whiffed that one. “not offered on tablets”
MS Office is a waste of money. Go with a free option or something like open office. I use quick office on android
If you’re a small business user the cost of Office 365 is $12.50 a month PER USER if paid annually. Not worth it for the typical SOHO user. Having an app that only works on smartphones and not tablets doesn’t make it any more compelling.