Microsoft Office on Tablets & Smartphones: A User Guide
Microsoft Office Availability on Mobile Devices
For some time, Microsoft faced criticism for a perceived delay in providing Microsoft Office for the iPad, other tablets, and smartphones. However, the reality is that Microsoft offers a range of Office applications tailored for mobile platforms, though these aren't always the complete desktop versions.
Variations in Microsoft Office
The Office suite exists in numerous versions, differing based on the Windows operating system and the specific mobile offering. These include Office Mobile, Office 365, and Office Online. Each version presents a unique set of functionalities and distinct pricing models.
Understanding these differences is crucial for users seeking the right Office experience for their needs.
Focus on Microsoft Platforms
Microsoft provides the most comprehensive Office features on its own tablet and smartphone platforms. This strategic approach reflects Microsoft’s broader ambition to leverage its Office services to promote adoption of its hardware devices.
As a company increasingly focused on "devices and services," Microsoft is actively integrating its software offerings with its hardware ecosystem.
A Breakdown of Mobile Office Options
- Office Mobile: Designed for on-the-go productivity with core features.
- Office 365: A subscription service offering full Office applications and cloud storage.
- Office Online: Web-based versions of Office applications accessible through a browser.
Each of these options caters to different user requirements and budgets, ensuring a flexible approach to mobile productivity with Microsoft Office.
Windows 8 and Windows RT – Comprehensive Microsoft Office Availability
Employing Microsoft Office on Windows 8 tablets is a straightforward process. The complete desktop edition of Microsoft Office can be acquired and utilized on your Windows 8 tablet, functioning identically to its use on a standard Windows 8 laptop.
It’s important to note that Office operates exclusively within desktop mode. Therefore, accessing its features necessitates switching to your tablet’s desktop environment. While not optimally designed for touchscreen interaction, this provides access to the complete functionality of the desktop-based Microsoft Office suite.
Office Inclusion with Windows 8 Tablets
Generally, most Windows 8 tablets do not ship with Microsoft Office pre-installed, requiring a separate purchase. However, certain exceptions exist. Specifically, 8-inch tablets often include Office as a bundled offering.
Furthermore, some 10-inch tablets, such as the ASUS T101, also feature pre-installed Office for reasons specific to their configuration. Conversely, devices like Microsoft’s Surface Pro are typically sold without Office included.
Windows RT and Office
Windows RT tablets differ in that they incorporate a complimentary version of Microsoft Office. However, this version possesses certain limitations. Notably, macro functionality is entirely unsupported.
Despite this restriction, the Office suite bundled with Windows RT devices closely mirrors the full version available for Windows 8, and it is provided at no additional cost.
- Key Difference: Windows 8 requires a separate Office purchase, while Windows RT includes a limited, free version.
- Desktop Mode: Office functions solely in desktop mode on both Windows 8 and Windows RT.
- Macro Support: Macros are not supported within the Windows RT version of Office.
Windows Phone - Office Mobile
A complimentary version of Office, designated as Office Mobile, is included with the Windows Phone operating system.
In contrast to the Office Mobile applications available for both iPhone and Android devices, the Windows Phone iteration is entirely free of charge.
An Office 365 subscription is not a prerequisite for its utilization.
Functionality and Scope
It’s important to note that Office Mobile represents a streamlined adaptation of the full Office suite, specifically tailored for mobile phone usage.
The application is primarily intended for viewing existing Office documents and undertaking limited editing tasks while mobile.
It should not be considered a comprehensive productivity platform.
Office Mobile provides convenient access to your files, allowing for quick reviews and minor adjustments when a full desktop experience isn't available.
The core purpose is to facilitate on-the-go document interaction, rather than extensive content creation.
Office 365 on iPhone and Android DevicesRelated: Distinguishing Office 365 from Office 2016
Microsoft currently offers "Office Mobile for Office 365 subscribers" applications for both iPhone and Android platforms. These applications are available for download through Apple’s App Store and Google Play. Office 365 represents Microsoft’s subscription-based service for the Microsoft Office suite.
A yearly fee of $100 grants access to the newest desktop editions of Office for both Windows and Mac computers. Furthermore, subscribers receive expanded OneDrive storage and the capability to utilize the Office 365 applications on iPhone and Android devices.
These mobile apps facilitate the creation and modification of documents saved within your OneDrive storage.
Subscription Requirement
A valid subscription is essential for utilizing these applications. A one-time purchase does not provide perpetual access. It’s important to note that these are streamlined applications designed for smartphones.
They do not function as complete versions of Microsoft Office, and are not intended as comprehensive productivity tools.
iPad and Android Tablets: Utilizing Office 365 or Office Online
The Office Mobile applications for Office 365 were initially developed with smartphones in mind. These applications, while functional, present a simplified experience compared to the comprehensive Microsoft Office suites available on traditional desktop computers. Native access to the full-featured Office applications is not currently available on iPad or Android tablet devices.
While subscribers can attempt to utilize the Office Mobile apps on these tablets, the experience is limited to the streamlined mobile interfaces. This functionality doesn't provide a comparable alternative to using Office on Windows or macOS.
Exploring Office Online as an Alternative
Previously, Microsoft suggested leveraging Office Online through a web browser on tablets to achieve a more desktop-like user experience. Office Online, previously referred to as Office Web Apps, is a browser-based iteration of Microsoft Office integrated within OneDrive.
Although not possessing the full capabilities of the desktop version, Office Online offers a familiar interface that may be more appropriate for tablet usage. It provides a viable option for users seeking a more robust experience than the mobile apps.
Office Online is entirely free across all platforms. This allows users to access Office functionality without any cost, even on Windows PCs, provided they are comfortable with a streamlined version accessed through a web browser.
Considering Native Tablet Office Suites
For tablet users prioritizing a robust productivity experience, exploring alternative office suites is often the most practical solution. Options such as Apple's iWork for iPad, Google's QuickOffice, and other tablet-native applications are readily available.
- These alternatives are specifically designed for the larger screen and touch interface of tablets.
- They often provide a more intuitive and feature-rich experience.
- They can offer better integration with the tablet's operating system.
Ultimately, choosing the right office solution depends on individual needs and preferences. However, for many tablet users, a native suite will deliver superior productivity.
Remote Desktop Access Options
Remote desktop solutions present another avenue for accessing your computer. Utilizing software, it becomes possible to install Microsoft Office on a Windows or macOS computer and subsequently access your desktop environment from a tablet or smartphone device.
For organizations seeking to deploy Office on iPads, establishing a remote desktop server to which employees can connect is a viable strategy. While not equivalent to a dedicated native application, this method enables the utilization of the complete Microsoft Office suite on iPads, Android tablets, and a variety of other devices.
Office Availability Across Platforms
Beyond traditional laptop environments, Microsoft offers a fully featured desktop version of Microsoft Office specifically designed for the Mac OS X operating system.
This version is accessible through the Office 365 subscription model, or alternatively, can be purchased as a standalone boxed copy.
Furthermore, users of Chromebooks, Linux-based PCs, and even Windows and macOS systems can leverage Office Online. This web-based application allows for free access to Microsoft Office directly within a web browser.
Image attribution: Maria Elena (Flickr), Kārlis Dambrāns (Flickr)