Rumor: Microsoft Office for iPad on the way

[haven]

The Daily is passing along a rumor that Microsoft is developing versions of Word, Excel and Powerpoint for the iPad. This makes sense from several perspectives. The iPad is far and away the most popular tablet, with sales approaching 40 million units worldwide. The iPad has made significant inroads into corporate culture. Without Office programs from Microsoft on the iPad, people are turning to competing products.

Apple is likely to introduce the iPad 3 in Spring 2012. I expect Microsoft to have a tablet version of Word, Excel and Powerpoint available by then.

 

[4xdog]

That'll be nice to have. My company has started allowing iPhone and iPad use for company email, but the limitations in managing attachments with the iThings is holding me back. Full functionality with Office would be good. Smart move for Microsoft.

Don

 

[Sleeping Dog]

Microsoft released iPad support for One Note and Linc. Other Offices apps are mostly rumors.

 

[haven]

Intel is tired of ARM's licensed designs getting all the tablet business. Intel is working hard to put their latest low power chips in next year's smart phone and tablets. Intel's next generation products will probably be shown at CES in 3 weeks, and delivered to customers by May or June. Intel says its new chips will be able to run Android. My guess is that Microsoft is also working with Intel on products that can run Windows Phone software (for smart phones) and Windows 8 Tablet Edition (for tablets). That's where the Office apps are headed, I think.