Microsoft has just released the first preview version of the Office touch apps for Windows 10, due later in 2015. The Office 2016 touch apps are only available for PCs running Windows 10, and because it means that not everyone can or want to run an early version of the operating system, I have created a video, which I have uploaded to the Pureinfotech YouTube channel, giving you a first look of what is to come in: Word Preview, Excel Preview, and PowerPoint Preview.
The Word app, in its current stage, includes all the basic features you can expect from a document-processing app. You can create, edit, and view documents stored on your computer or in OneDrive. You will also see a few advanced features, such as the ability to add tables, heading formats, pictures, and shapes. There are other features like changing orientation and adding columns, but these are paid features that require an Office 365 subscription.
The Excel app in its current stage includes all the basic features you can expect on a spreadsheet-processing app. You can create, edit, and view documents stored in your computer or in OneDrive. Anyone who has used Excel in the past will be able to understand the new touch optimized app in no time. Also Excel has advanced features, but they are features that can only be unlocked with an Office 365 subscription.
The PowerPoint app in its current stage includes all the basic feature to create a presentation. You can create, edit, and view presentations locally stored in your computer or in OneDrive. The PowerPoint app optimized for touch doesn’t seem to have features that requires an Office 365 subscription, but more features will be included later, which might require to upgrade.
Keep in mind that these apps are in preview, bugs and things not working correctly are expected. Also remember that Microsoft will release a tablet and phone version of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint in the coming weeks.
The links below will take you to the download page of each app. When you land on each page, you’ll be prompted to allow the Office app to be downloaded through the Microsoft Store.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].