14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has announced the February Insider Slow update for Office on Android, pushing the productivity suite version to 16.0.7830.1002 for those running the preview builds.
First and foremost, today’s Office update brings PDF support for Microsoft Word, which means that you can use the app to open documents in PDF format, just like you could already do with other apps, such as OneDrive.
Since Word is a more widely-used application than others, PDF support should come in very handy, but it’s worth knowing that only viewing documents is supported for the time being and no editing tools are being offered.
The same version also comes with Excel improvements, and Microsoft explains that its app can open files that contain scripts as well as files with Query tables and parameters. And last but not least, there’s a new option to edit photos inserted in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents, and you can add Shadow and Reflection effects to enhance pictures. The new effects are available in the Picture tab.
Still part of insider program, public update coming soon
Keep in mind that all these improvements are still part of the Insider program, but although they’re not yet available for public users, they should become so in the coming weeks. Microsoft is just trying to determine whether there’s any bug in this update, and insiders are recommended to send feedback before the new version is released in the Google Play Store for all users.
“As Insiders, your ongoing feedback and great ideas help teams make better decisions about Office - and together, we can take productivity to the next level. Thank you for your comments and input, please continue to share them with us,” Microsoft explains.
If you also want to become an insider for Office, you can register with your Microsoft account here. At this point, the majority of platforms where Office is available are supported, including not only Android, but also Windows desktop, Mac, Windows 10 Mobile, and iOS.