Microsoft Launches Redesigned Office For Mac

The preview for Mac differs a little from the Windows release, in that there are fewer apps to test. In a on Microsoft's Tech Community (via ), the company says that Mac users will be able to check out refreshed versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote. In terms of new features, the preview release includes things like a dedicated pencil case that roams with you across Office apps, focus mode in Word, 4K video export in PowerPoint, more new functions and charts in Excel, and a focused inbox in Outlook. IT administrators can also check out new tools that simplify deployment and management. 'Command-line tools will allow IT admins to centrally control how and when Office updates are applied to users' devices, and support for industry-standard MDM policies and preferences will give IT the power to enforce organization-wide security policies, including preferences for Visual Basic macros and app settings,' Microsoft says.

• Microsoft Launches Redesigned Office For Mac 2016
• Microsoft Launches Redesigned Office For Mac

Microsoft on 24 September announced the general availability of Microsoft Office 2019 for Windows and Mac. The company says that this is the next on-premise version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Project, Visio, Access, and Publisher. Microsoft has just announced the general availability of the Office 2019 productivity suite for both Windows and Mac. The new version includes all the improvements that Microsoft has made to.

A lot of these features are already available in Office 365 ProPlus, but they aren't currently included the Office 2016 suite. Office 2019 is currently expected to release in the second half of 2018. If you're interested in checking out the Office 2019 Commercial Preview, you can. This post may contain affiliate links. See our for more details.

Microsoft Launches Redesigned Office For Mac 2016

Word now has a Focus Mode (on Mac) to help you knuckle down on that must-finish report, not to mention a dark theme on Windows, better inking features and accessibility upgrades like Read Aloud. PowerPoint has a new roaming pencil case, morph transitions, 4K video export and the ability to insert content like 3D models and SVG images.

Excel offers funnel charts, 2D maps, timelines and new functions. Outlook has updated contact cards, support for Office 365 Groups, mentions, a focused inbox and new summaries for deliveries and travel.

Microsoft Launches Redesigned Office For Mac

Is still free and available outside of Office, regardless of the platform. Only trusted commercial volume customers have a crack at Office 2019 right away. If you're an everyday user, you'll have to wait until sometime in the 'next few weeks' to get a copy.

This release won't thrill you if you're used to the heftier Office updates of years past. However, it's not really meant for early adopters. It's for companies that can't move their workers to the cloud, or individuals who just want a reasonably current Office suite without committing to a subscription. This is really a reflection of how much the industry has changed - Microsoft is primarily competing with cloud services like Google Docs, and its priorities have shifted accordingly.