The next version of Microsoft Office has
reached a new development milestone, allowing a handful of privileged
individuals to sample the pre-release software. The technical preview is
currently limited to a "select group of customers under non-disclosure
agreements" -- in other words, folks who can keep their traps shut about new
features while providing Microsoft with valuable feedback. As such, you
shouldn't expect a full rundown on the revamped suite until later this year,
though some leaks are possible. Microsoft has launched its technical preview of
Office 15, promising a full public beta this summer.
Microsoft officials are not commenting on the
features in any part of Office 15; on the planned release-to-manufacturing (RTM)
or general availability date; or on whether the technical preview will include a
version of Office that will work on Windows 8 on ARM. (I asked about all of
these.) Update: Also, for those asking, we also have no idea on
platform-support specifics — such as whether this preview also encompasses the
rumored Office for iPad; and whether it includes a separate non-touch-centric
Office 15 update for those not using tablets/touch-enabled laptops. I can tell
you Office 15 is the most ambitious undertaking yet for the Office Division,"
blogged PJ Hough, CVP of development, Microsoft Office Division. And by that he
means that the software will be capable of simultaneous updates of cloud
services, servers, mobile and PC clients for Office, Office 365, Exchange,
SharePoint, Lync, Project and Vision. Doesn't it sound exciting? We won't be
hearing too much from the technical preview though, as all customers testing the
early builds are bound by non-disclosure agreements. Still, we're sure you can
control your excitement until the public beta this summer something which surely
means a Windows 8 release date is not far behind.