Microsoft launches Office 15, preview available for download

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Microsoft just launched Microsoft Office 15 today during a live webcast this afternoon. The new version of Office is available for download as a Preview so users can get an idea of what it offers. Office 15 will integrate various touch and pen-based input features which are in tune with Windows 8 as well as use on tablets like the Microsoft Surface which was previewed a few weeks ago. 

“We are taking bold steps at Microsoft,” Ballmer said at the press conference in San Francisco. “The new, modern Office will deliver unparalleled productivity and flexibility for both consumers and business customers. It is a cloud service and will fully light-up when paired with Windows 8.”

As expected, Microsoft Office 15 will be heavily integrated with the Microsoft Cloud. Offering a subscription model, Microsoft is fielding various versions of Office 365.

While the full lineup of offerings and pricing plans will be announced in the fall, Ballmer discussed three new Office 365 subscription services. When available, each new subscription offer will include the new 2013 editions of the Office applications — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher and Access. In addition, subscribers will receive future rights to version upgrades as well as per-use rights across up to five PCs or Macs and mobile devices. The three new editions will be the following:

• Office 365 Home Premium — designed for families and consumers. This service also includes an additional 20 GB of SkyDrive storage and 60 minutes of Skype world minutes per month.

• Office 365 Small Business Premium — designed for small businesses. This service also includes business-grade email, shared calendars, website tools and HD webconferencing.

• Office 365 ProPlus — designed for enterprise customers who want advanced business capabilities and the flexibility to deploy and manage in the cloud.

   The new Office is social and unlocks modern scenarios in reading, note-taking, meetings and communications and will be delivered to subscribers through a cloud service that is always up to date.