Windows 10 & Microsoft Office: Why Two Versions?
Microsoft Office Versions for Windows 10
Microsoft provides two distinct editions of Office designed for use with Windows 10. These include conventional desktop applications optimized for traditional keyboard and mouse input, alongside universal apps tailored for touch-based interaction.
However, the distinction isn't entirely straightforward. The desktop iteration of Office incorporates a touch mode for usability on touchscreens.
Desktop vs. Universal Apps
Conversely, the universal Office applications are capable of functioning within windows on standard desktop computers. This flexibility allows users to select the most appropriate application type based on their device and usage preferences.
For instance, users may find the desktop applications preferable on certain tablet devices, while the universal apps may be better suited for use on some desktop configurations.
Ultimately, the choice between desktop and universal apps depends on individual needs and the specific hardware being utilized. Microsoft aims to provide a versatile Office experience across a range of Windows 10 devices.
Desktop Office and Universal Office: A Comparison
Related: Windows 10 Is Almost Here: Here's What You Need to Know
With the release of Windows 10, Microsoft continues to support its established suite of desktop Office applications. Office 2016 represents the latest iteration, following Office 2013. These are the familiar programs – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and others – that have long been staples for Windows users.
Improvements have been implemented, including a "touch mode" introduced alongside Windows 8, and the addition of real-time collaborative editing features. Integration with Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud storage is also a key enhancement.
Alongside the traditional desktop versions, Microsoft now provides universal app versions of Office. These are distinct from the conventional Windows applications, designed to operate within windows on the desktop environment.
Essentially, they are the Windows counterparts to the Office applications found on iPad and Android tablets. Their universal nature also allows them to function seamlessly on Windows phones.
These applications are accessible through the Windows Store. Their user interfaces are specifically optimized for touch-based interaction.
Furthermore, they are more streamlined, prioritizing a modern Windows app experience over the extensive feature set accumulated in the desktop Office applications over many years. They leverage Microsoft’s new universal app platform.
Understanding the Nuances of Office Touch Mode
Touch Mode in Office applications presents a more complex scenario than initially anticipated. Originally, these touch-optimized apps were slated for release alongside Windows 8.
The initial plan was straightforward: touch-centric applications would operate within the "Metro" interface, perfectly suited for tablet devices. Simultaneously, traditional desktop Office apps would function within standard windows, catering to laptops and desktop computers.
However, the current landscape is more intricate. Despite the emergence of universal apps, the desktop applications retain a dedicated touch mode, enhancing their usability on touchscreen devices.
Furthermore, these universal apps are now capable of running within windows on desktop environments. Microsoft actively encourages users to adopt these universal apps for desktop use, as evidenced by their inclusion in Windows 10.
This raises a crucial question: which version of Office should users ultimately choose?
Navigating the Options
The availability of both desktop apps with touch mode and universal apps running in windows creates a degree of overlap. Consider your primary usage scenario when making a decision.
If you frequently switch between a touchscreen device and a traditional computer, experimenting with both options is recommended. Evaluate which interface best suits your workflow and preferences.
Touch Mode within the desktop apps offers a familiar environment with added touchscreen support. Universal apps, conversely, represent Microsoft’s vision for the future of Office, designed for versatility across devices.
Benefits of the Desktop Office Suite
Microsoft Office applications, in their desktop format, represent the traditional Office experience. They are comprehensively equipped with a vast array of functionalities accumulated over numerous versions, encompassing features like mail merges and macro capabilities.
Microsoft positions these versions as ideally suited for operation with a keyboard and mouse, a claim well-founded. Users familiar with Office on Windows will recognize these as the applications they have previously utilized.
These applications provide a complete set of features for most users and are specifically optimized for conventional Windows desktop environments. However, advanced functionality remains accessible even on Windows tablets utilizing a touch-based interface.
Access to these applications requires a financial investment. Purchasing a retail copy of Office 2016 or subscribing to Microsoft Office 365 are the primary methods of obtaining them.
Related: Understanding the Differences Between Office 365 and Office 2016
The desktop suite offers a robust and feature-rich environment for productivity tasks.
Universal Office: A New Approach to Productivity
Universal Office applications represent a recent development from Microsoft. These are specifically the Windows counterparts to the Office apps previously launched for iPad and Android tablets.
A key characteristic of these applications is their streamlined nature. They offer a reduced feature set compared to their traditional desktop versions.
The suite is also more focused, including universal versions of core programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Simplified universal editions of Outlook Mail and Calendar are also available.
Designed for Mobile and Touch
Microsoft positions these apps as being “designed for touch and mobile” interaction. They are intended to come pre-installed on Windows 10 phones and smaller tablets at no cost.
Furthermore, they will be accessible for download from the Windows Store on a wider range of devices.
The core message is a clear distinction: utilize these applications on mobile devices, while continuing to employ the established desktop applications on personal computers.
However, installation of these universal apps will be possible on Windows 10 PCs.
Subscription Model Considerations
Microsoft’s strategy includes a free-to-use model for Office apps on platforms like iPads, Android tablets, iPhones, and Android phones, without requiring a paid subscription.
It is conceivable that the universal apps on Windows 10 may also operate without a subscription requirement.
This would allow users to perform basic editing tasks – even on desktop computers – without incurring any costs.
Should Microsoft adopt this approach, the universal apps would present a viable alternative for desktop users who do not necessitate the complete functionality of the Microsoft Office suite.
Further clarity is anticipated with the release of Office 2016, expected prior to the end of 2015.
Deciding Between Office VersionsMicrosoft proposes a straightforward approach: utilize traditional desktop applications on personal computers equipped with a keyboard and mouse, and employ universal Office applications on smaller tablets and smartphones.
However, devices such as the Microsoft Surface introduce a degree of complexity, although Microsoft would likely suggest leveraging desktop Office applications in both keyboard/mouse and touch-based modes.
Related: Is Office Online a Viable Alternative? A Look at the Free Microsoft Office Suite.
The situation appears clear initially, but pricing introduces a significant factor. If universal Office apps prove more affordable on Windows 10, or are available through a lower-cost one-time purchase compared to Office 2016 or an Office 365 subscription, they could represent the optimal choice for numerous desktop PC users.
Furthermore, individuals requiring only fundamental editing capabilities might prefer the universal apps due to their streamlined interface. Conversely, if your work necessitates business documents containing macros on a tablet, the desktop version of Office remains essential, even in the absence of a mouse and keyboard.
Microsoft also provides Office Online, a completely free option. Provided you are comfortable working within a web browser, access to Microsoft’s Office suite is available at no cost.
While Google Docs does offer offline functionality, Office Online presents a more familiar experience for existing Office users and generally ensures superior compatibility with Office document formats. It does, however, require document storage on OneDrive.
It is anticipated that Microsoft will refine its messaging prior to the release of Office 2016 later this year. Currently, a search within the Windows Store yields the universal versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, while Office 2016 is accessible outside the Windows Store on Microsoft’s official website.Should Microsoft aim to have the majority of Windows users adopt the desktop version, a more prominent promotion of its availability will be necessary.
