Microsoft launches Office for Android: Check the system requirements first
After running semi-public betas for two months and posting previews to the Play store, Microsoft Office for Android in its finished form. They are designed to be 'unmistakably Office' while optimised for Google tablets. To this end they include the Office ribbon which desktop users will be familiar with.
"Similar to Office for Windows 10, Word, Excel and PowerPoint for Android tablets are built from the ground up for touch and are perfect for mobile productivity," said Microsoft.
As long as you have a Microsoft account you can use the Office suite for free if it's for personal use and you stick to core editing. However, premium features require an Office 365 subscription. Commercial use requires a subscription for both.
"Large touch points make it easy for even the fattest of fingers to navigate commands. External keyboards can be connected but certainly aren't needed," added the firm.
Microsoft also announced a new version of Outlook for iOS and a preview version for Android.
Office for Android system requirements
Although the apps are available to download and use for free, you'll need a compatible device. Microsoft warns that you'll need a screen size of 7in or larger and a display larger than 10.1in will require an Office 365 subscription.
Furthermore, you need to be running an ARM based processor and have 1 GB of RAM or more. Your tablet will also need to be running Android 4.4.x KitKat. Lollipop tablets will run the software but it won't be officially supported until a future update is released.
If you're running an Intel chip then Microsoft promises support for you via a 'native implementation' which will be available within a quarter.