May 05, 2015

Windows, Mac users can now preview Office 2016

New Office Suite has an expected fall commercial release after Windows 10 comes out this summer

By Michael Tanenbaum
PhillyVoice Staff

Microsoft /for PhillyVoice

Microsoft Office 2016 is available as a preview for Windows and Mac users.

Microsoft wrapped up Build 2015 in San Francisco last week, and apart from announcing that its Internet Explorer replacement will be called Microsoft Edge, the company also opened up a preview version of the upcoming Office 2016 to all Windows users.

This is the second preview build of Office 2016 after a March release became available only to IT professionals in March. Now, all users who have Windows 7, 8 and 10 (desktop, notebook, and tablet) can access the preview ahead of an anticipated fall release. Mac users can also test the new Office Suite to get accustomed to the updated features.

The catch is that users will first have to uninstall Office 2013, since the two programs cannot run side by side. Microsoft will also regularly update the preview ahead of its commercial release. Since Windows 10 is likely to be released in July, prior to Office 2016, that may be the best time to get on board with the preview if you plan to install the new operating system.

The new TellMe search tool for Excel, PowerPoint and Word figures to be one of the biggest navigation changes on Office 2016. Here's a look at how TellMe works.