Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing
  3. News

Ready for a new Office experience? Microsoft is, with a tentative release set for late 2015

By

microsoft eyes h2 2015 release for office 16
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Cloud storage, mobile devices, desktop operating systems, and versatile computing hardware are only a few of Microsoft’s main areas of interest going forward. As one might expect, productivity software is another domain where the Redmond-based company wants to maintain its relevancy and continue making the big bucks.

Microsoft Office, the ubiquitous productivity suite that more than a billion people use worldwide, is due for an update in the next year or so. The rumor mill hints in that direction, as does history. Microsoft Office 2007 rolled out in January 2007, Office 2010 in June 2010, and the latest incarnation of the software suite in January 2013.

Recommended Videos

Microsoft typically upgrades the software every two-and-a-half years, as evidenced by the aforementioned time-frame. A new report suggests that Microsoft doesn’t plan to mess with tradition anytime in the near future. According to Julia White, the General Manager of Office and Office 365 Marketing, the company will release Office 16 sometime in the second half of next year.

While the margin of error is quite wide, this means we could see the follow-up to Office 2013 drop as early as next July, or as late as December.

Previous whispers — interestingly enough — pegged the updated suite’s initial release for the spring of 2015, so perhaps development isn’t going as smoothly as previously believed. Alternatively, perhaps Microsoft is just taking extra time to incorporate a few added features into the package. It wouldn’t be surprising, given the latest three versions of the suite all show a three-year difference in their titles. So far, leaked photos only show minor aesthetic tweaks, such as an optional black theme for both Word and PowerPoint.

A Clippy-like, “Tell Me” support function is rumored to be on the way, giving users an easier way to ask for help compared to what’s currently offered. We also presume the software will feature a wealth of stability improvements, and tighter integration with various cloud services compared to what is currently offered.

Also, the next Office client should launch alongside Exchange Server and SharePoint Server updates, with a beta program likely accessible as early as next Spring.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Adrian Diaconescu
Adrian Diaconescu
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Adrian is a mobile aficionado since the days of the Nokia 3310, and a PC enthusiast since Windows 98. Later, he discovered…
This lifetime Microsoft Office license is $50 off for Black Friday
Computer user touching on Microsoft Word icon to open the program.

Today is the day we've all been waiting for, and as the Black Friday deals keep rolling out, people are scooping up laptops left and right. To complement all of the Black Friday laptop deals, Best Buy is offering an incredible deal on Microsoft Office 2021 Home & Student Edition. Originally priced at $150, you can currently purchase a lifetime license today for only $100, saving you $50, or 33%, off this must-have productivity software package. This deal is one of the Best Buy Black Friday deals you definitely won't want to miss, especially if you've got students or someone who works from home on your 2022 holiday shopping list.

This deal is without a doubt one of the best Microsoft Office deals we've seen all year. Microsoft Office is the industry standard when it comes to productivity software and that has been the case for decades. As part of this software package, you'll gain lifetime access to the essential Microsoft Office classics: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint. The one-time purchase comes with one license that can be installed on one device, but can be transferred to another device should you decide to upgrade your computer in the future.

Read more
Don’t fall for this devious new Microsoft Office scam
A package with a fake Microsoft Office USB stick.

With packaging looking legitimate enough at first glance, scammers are sending out fake Microsoft Office USB sticks -- loaded with ransomware -- to individuals.

As reported by Tom’s Hardware and PCMag, the USBs are sent out to randomly selected addresses in the hopes of convincing targets that they inadvertently received a $439 Office Professional Plus package.

Read more
This new Microsoft Teams feature is like Snapchat for your office chats
A close-up of someone using Microsoft Teams on a laptop for a videoconference.

Microsoft Teams is getting a new Snapchat-like feature called "Video Clip." The new feature lets you record, send, and view short videos through Microsoft Teams, and deliver your message at a tap of a button.

Messages can also be played back at convenience.

Read more