Previously available on Windows Phone and iPhone, Microsoft has now made a Microsoft Office app for Android users. Like the other two versions, you can access and edit the documents on the go – but like the iPhone version, you will need to be an Office 365 subscriber to take full advantage of the app.
According to the app description on Google Play, the Office for Android will let you access documents from SkyDrive or via Email; and view the documents on an optimised layout for your phone. Like all Office versions on mobile, you can make edits to Word, Excel and PowerPoint files – both online and offline; and you can create new Word and Excel documents from the phone itself.
Minimum requirements include you must have a phone running Android 4.0 or greater, and a qualifying Office 365 plan. These include Office 365 Home Premium, University, Small Business Premium, Midsize Business, Enterprise E3 and E4, Education A3 and A4, and ProPlus. You will not be able to purchase an Office 365 plan directly from the app, unlike the iOS version.
Do note that Office for Android is just for phones and not for tablets. Microsoft has not indicated any support for tablets, but did say you’re better off using the Office Web Apps found in SkyDrive. Also, Office 365 does limit you on how many mobile devices you can download Office on – it is 2 devices if you are on Office 365 University, or 5 devices on all other plans.
However, don’t go on Google Play just yet to download it. It’s initially available in the United States. Microsoft, in a blog post announcing Office for Android, said that it will also be launching gradually in another 117 markets in 33 languages – and Australia is on that list. So if you want Office for Android, then you will have to wait a couple of weeks.