- Microsoft seems to be experimenting with office desktop applications with advertisements
- They are limited in their functionality and will require OneDrive synchronization
- Word, Excel and PowerPoint could be free
Microsoft seems to have launched free versions of their basic office applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), although they are compatible with advertisements and limited in their functionality.
The change was first seen by Beebomwhich revealed that free desktop applications show a persistent banner advertisement, as well as a 15 -second video advertisement that reproduces “every few hours.”
However, the company has already rushed to clarify that the launch is just a test, with a Microsoft spokesman who says that “there were no plans” for a broader launch.
Microsoft silently launches office applications with advertisements
“Microsoft has been doing some limited tests,” said a company spokesman for PCWorld. “Currently, there are no plans to launch a free and backed version by advertisements of Microsoft Office desktop applications.”
Users seeking to obtain access to free office software will also notice that the edition of local files is not compatible and will be guided to save files in OneDrive.
To access free applications, users must omit the login message and then accept saving their files in the Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage system.
Having no cost, these three free applications will be more limited in their functionality, lacking certain tools such as accessories, dictates, smartart, advanced formatting and pivot tables. Applications seem to connect a gap between completely incipient desktop applications and even more limited web applications.
Beebom He noted that for now for now, free desktop applications are only available for Windows users, but they can still be used without connection despite the requirement of saving files in OneDrive.
Download free applications is exactly the same as downloading complete applications, only users will omit the login stage that would otherwise give access to all features.
In terms of availability, some users have reported that they cannot access the free Word, Excel and PowerPoint versions, which suggests that it could be in a test phase, which adds since Microsoft has not formally announced anything about the affair. In addition, there is no equivalent of Mac (still).
For the context, Microsoft recently raised the prices of consumer subscriptions 365, so this could be one of the ways in which the change justifies.
A confirmed company spokesman with Techradar Pro In an email: “Microsoft has performed some limited tests.
