'Touch-optimized Office to be released to Android before Windows 8'

Microsoft plans to release a touch-optimized version of Office earlier on Android than on Microsoft's own Windows 8.  According to sources of Microsoft watcher Mary Jo Foley an Android version of Office is expected before the end of this year, while a touch-optimized Office for Windows is expected in spring 2015. Microsoft previously also released Office for Apple's iPad.

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The focus on Android, an operating system with a much larger tablet marketshare than Windows, appears to be a large change in Microsoft's strategy. The company's new CEO, Satya Nadella, earlier stated  applications from Microsoft would no longer be tied to one specific device or operating system.

The Windows version of the touch optimized Office will likely be released with the upcoming large up to Windows 8.1 which is likely called Threshold or Windows 9. It's expected that Microsoft will also release a version of Windows 9 without the desktop, meaning an all touch version of the OS targeted for use on tablets.

With Windows RT, Microsoft also has an OS targeted for tablets, however Windows RT still features the desktop to use e.g. Office.

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Although Microsoft is working on a touch-optimized version of Office, the company also continues to work on the desktop version of Office. An update to the regular Microsoft Office  is also expected for spring 2015.

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