Office 15 Preview
It appears Microsoft will be releasing a beta of Office 15 in January 2012.
In line with the rest of Microsoft’s plans a touch interface is going to be at the heart of this revision. As a Windows Phone 7 fan and user I have to say this is no bad thing, with the Metro style interface of WP7 using the phone becomes a joy. I’ve written many an email using the phone interface and have had no issues with it. Microsoft have been playing catchup with Apple and, to some degree, Android when it comes to a touch interface but now have nailed it, the only gap I can see is in the hardware. While Windows 8 is heavily geared towards a touch interface it doesn’t appear to have any specific hardware to back it up. While this hasn’t been too much of an issue with the phone, Microsoft had very strict guidelines on what was allowed on a WP7 device, the absolute seamless-ness of the iPad cannot be ignored. The old adage “people who are serious about software design their own hardware” springs to mind.
Touch interface aside, the actual functionality of Office will have to be assessed when its released. Off the top of my head I can’t think of too many features that I’d want to see that aren’t already in Outlook etc but I’m sure there will be some new toys to play with. Incidentally I wonder if public folders will be included, and if they are, if they will be easy to find!
So is Office an application that lends itself to a touch interface? Web browsing and media do, infact they are somewhat enhanced by the feeling of pressing what you want. But for the hardcore typists out there, I can’t see them converting to tapping a screen all day, writing anything longer than the odd email can be uncomfortable on a tablet, the lack of tactile feedback makes for a peculiar experience. This interface could be useful for those who are on the move, looking at the way WP7 integrates all of your networks and presents you with all the information about people/conversations from multiple sources would be a blessing if carried over to Office, a way to keep you connected with everything/everyone on an easy to use interface.
Let us know your thoughts on www.facebook.com/onestopsupport, are you a fan of touch or do you prefer a good old fashioned keyboard?!
