Ten hot new features of Microsoft next generation Office suite

Software giant Microsoft has unveiled the next generation of its Office softwares – including Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint and One-Note applications.

The refreshed Office suite – which includes Microsoft Office 2013, adesktop version as well as Office 365 (a subscription-based version for both enterprises and individuals) – blends touch, social and cloud capabilities , creating a much-needed simplified and intuitive user experience that had several users remark, “Finally!”.

Office documents can now also be stored on to SkyDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage service for documents. And Office will be offered as a service rather than just the PC download version it has traditionally been associated with. However , prices and exact launch dates are yet to be announced.

Google has been winning one-thirds to half of new corporate users that are paying for its web-based software. And, as The Wall Street Journal reported, Microsoft actually has a “Google Compete” team just to keep Office customers from switching over to Google products. Analysts feel these new features of Office could help Microsoft gain an edge over its rival.

Here are the ten hot new features that new Office suite offers

1) A neat look with touch features

2) Cloud: Seamless access to documents, apps and personalised settings across devices

3) One-click multi-party video conferencing in HD along with file sharing

4) Import PDF content, work with online images and watch videos within Word

5) Quick in-line reply feature in Outlook; Bing Maps navigates to an address within the email



6) Improved collaboration features such as co-authoring of PowerPoint presentations

7) Inking: One can highlight and write notes, mimicking hand writing

8) Calendar lets you glance quickly at your schedule without rearranging windows

9) View contacts and activity feeds to multiple social networks in Outlook

10) Office as a service: Following the SaaS model with automatic updates to new features