Microsoft is making strides to improve user experience on Android and iOS devices. The tech giant has revamped how Office files open, aiming to simplify multitasking on large smartphones and foldables. This update addresses user confusion and enhances the functionality of Microsoft’s suite of productivity apps.
New Default Behavior for Office Files
Microsoft has recently updated the way Office files open on mobile devices. If you have Microsoft 365 and standalone Office apps like Word, Excel, or PowerPoint installed, your files will now open directly in these dedicated apps by default.
- Standalone Apps Priority: Files open in their respective apps if installed.
- No Standalone Apps: Files open in the Microsoft 365 app as before.
- Missing Apps: Users are redirected to the App Store or Google Play Store to download the necessary standalone app.
This change comes after feedback from users who found the previous default behavior confusing. Microsoft aims to make file handling more predictable and streamlined across different platforms.
Enhanced Multitasking on Large and Foldable Devices
With the rise of massive phones and foldable devices, multitasking has become a crucial feature for users. Microsoft recognizes this trend and has optimized its Office apps to better support side-by-side and windowed scenarios.
“Our goal is to improve predictability for how files get opened when starting from our key ‘hub’ experiences on mobile devices,” explained a Microsoft spokesperson in a Tech Community post. This update is particularly beneficial for users who need to handle multiple documents simultaneously.
Benefits of the Update:
- Improved Predictability: Files open in the appropriate standalone app, reducing confusion.
- Better Multitasking: Enhanced support for opening multiple files side by side.
- Seamless Integration: Smooth transition between different Office apps on large screens.
OneDrive on iOS and Android has already received this update, with Outlook set to follow in October and November. Teams will also see the changes, though the exact rollout dates are yet to be announced.
Subscription Benefits and Access
While the Microsoft 365 apps are free to download on smartphones, a subscription is required to unlock the full suite of features. Microsoft is currently offering a promotional deal where users can get 15 months of Microsoft 365 for the price of 12 months.
- Free Apps: Download Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more for free.
- Subscription Perks: Access to premium features and additional storage.
- Promotional Offer: 15 months for the price of 12.
This offer aims to encourage more users to subscribe, providing them with a comprehensive productivity experience across their mobile devices.
Future Rollouts and Expectations
Microsoft is gradually implementing these changes across its suite of apps. The focus is on enhancing user experience by making file management more intuitive and supporting the latest device form factors.
- OneDrive: Updated first to improve file handling.
- Outlook: Scheduled for October and November rollout.
- Teams: Pending announcement for exact dates.
These updates reflect Microsoft’s commitment to adapting its software to meet the evolving needs of mobile users, particularly those using large and foldable devices.
