Google Docs Users Can Now Edit Microsoft Office Documents on Android

Google has recently announced that it’s bringing Microsoft Office editing on Android, which essentially means that mobile users can finally make changes to documents created in Microsoft’s productivity suite.

Similar capabilities are already available on the web, but bringing the whole thing to Android is obviously the next step into expanding G Suite capabilities pretty much everywhere.

“We’re making Office editing available on Android. This feature brings the collaborative and assistive features of G Suite to your Microsoft Office files when you’re using your Android device,” Google explains.

“Office editing will replace QuickOffice (sometimes known as Office Compatibility Mode), which has more limited functionality and collaboration capabilities.”

What Office editing on Android really means

Without a doubt, this is a massive update that G Suite customers have been waiting for. But what it really means as far as Android users are concerned?

First of all, users can now edit, comment, and collaboration on Microsoft Office files right from apps included in G Suite, including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Since real-time collaboration tools were already available for all of them, beginning with this update, they can work together on Microsoft Office files too.

Then, the update includes improved sharing options and sharing controls, and Google says that it also reduces the need to download and email file attachments.

The new features are available for all G Suite customers and users with personal Google accounts, and the rollout started on September 8. However, worth knowing is that it could take a while until the new capabilities become available for everyone since the extended rollout is projected to be completed in the next 15 days after the first wave went live.

For end users, the new feature is on by default in all G Suite apps.