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Microsoft Office Rolls Out New Office Apps for iPhone, iPad And Android Devices

By Edward Cardenas

SOUTHFIELD (CBS Detroit) - Microsoft is giving owners of mobile devices access to Office, along with the ability to create and edit Office content for free.

The tech giant announced Thursday that Office is available for iPhone and iPad users, which gives them the ability for customers using these devices to create and edit Office content without a subscription. Android users can also sign up to access Office when it becomes available next year.

"Anytime someone has an idea or an inspiration, we want to empower them to take action," said John Case, corporate vice president, Office, Microsoft, in a release. "With over a billion Office customers worldwide, and over 40 million downloads on the iPad, it's clear that Office applications are what people want to use to get things done."

The announcement to bring the program to iPhone and Android devices follows the release in March of Office for the iPad. Microsoft stated that the iPad version of Office has been downloaded from the App Store more than 40 million times.

Beginning Thursday, Microsoft is offering Office for iPhone apps for Word, Excel and PowerPoint along with an updated Office for iPad apps for Word, Excel and PowerPoint for free. Office 365 subscription for premium features, including more advanced editing of Word docs, images and charts, according to a report by USA Today.

Microsoft is also offering a preview of Office apps for Android tablet, which brings Word, Excel and PowerPoint to Android tablet owners. Customers can sign up for the Preview starting today, and it is expected to be available in early 2015.

Those looking to download Office on their iPad and iPhone will require a device running iOS 7.0 or later.

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