Microsoft’s decision to release its core Office apps for Android tablets was welcomed but there was a big problem with the initial release. It didn’t have support for devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop or later which meant that most recent devices could not be used to download the Office apps. The apps also didn’t have support for x86 processors which one finds in many mid-range tablets. Microsoft has now released preview versions of the Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps that bring support for both.
The company is working on a semi-private beta of these apps but it’s allowing members of the public to try them out on their devices provided they go through a short process first.
In order to use the preview apps users will first have to ask for permission to join the testing group on Google+. When they receive the permission they can then access the “become a tester” page for each of the three Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps.
Once that’s done the app’s will be available for download on that particular device through the Google Play Store. Any devices running Lollipop or touting an Intel x84 SoC will be able to use the Office apps.
Since Microsoft is already working on making Office apps compatible with such devices it goes without saying that the company will launch public versions of these apps in the near future.
Filed in . Read more about Android, Apps, Microsoft and Office. Source: androidpolice