Microsoft confirms MS Office for Mac in 2015

It’s going to be a busy year for the Redmond giant, with Windows 10 in the works. Back in May this year we have come across a leaked document, outlining plans for a brand new version of the Microsoft Office suite, set to implement ink-based technology and a true touch-based experience.

Finally, Microsoft has announced the release of a new version of its Office suite for Mac, although it is still unclear how close it will be to what we have seen in the leaked memo.

While the official release date of this new MS Office for Mac is yet to be discussed, market analysts predict a possible date match with the official release of Windows 10.

What we do know is that among some of the many areas of improvements upon the soon-to-be retired 2011 version, users will be happy to see a new modernized user interface, taking advantage of OS X Yosemite’s new look, including integration with OS X notifications.

Retina display support is another great improvement, which we can only assume is designed to work better with Microsoft’s touchscreen laptop and desktop products.

Improved integration with Microsoft OneDrive cloud syncing is also in the cards, which we can expect as a major component in the upcoming brand new Windows operating system. Some notable changes in Outlook will also be part of the update, both as far as security and user experience. OneDrive integration has been problematic for iPad users and mobile users in general, and a fix has been due for some time, following the many complaints from users of the latest iPad version of the Office suite

With OneNote integration, we can finally get more than a glimpse into Microsoft’s future plans, as the company seems determined to align itself with trends already set by Apple and Google, with a focus on productivity tools, which has always been Microsoft’s true philosophy.

Just for kicks, let’s have a look at the entire Microsoft Office release timeline, or shall we say, down “Memory Lane”:

• 1995 – Office 95 for Windows
• 1997 – Office 97 for Windows
• 1998 - Office 98 for Mac
• 2000 – Office 2000 for Windows
• Late 2000 - Office 2001 for Mac
• 2001 - Office X - the first Mac OS X edition
• 2002 – Office XP for Windows
• 2003 – Office 2003 for Windows
• 2004 - Office 2004 for Mac
• 2007 – Office 2007 for Windows
• 2008 - Office 2008 for Mac
• 2010 – Office 2010 for Windows
• 2010 - Office 2011 for Mac
• 2013 – Office 2013 for Windows

There is a rumor that the new MS Office suite, whose official name is yet to be revealed, might make its appearance in the App Store, although it is a rumor met with some skepticism, as Microsoft may not be willing to give up a portion of its profits to a competitor.

There might also be some good news on the pricing front, as it seems likely that Microsoft Office will retain its one-time pricing structure, alongside its subscription service.