At the Macworld Expo in San Francisco last week, Microsoft offered a sneak preview of Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac, which is expected to be relesed in the latter part of this year. This version will come in Universal Binary format, which will run natively on both Apple's PowerPC and Intel-based Macs.
Among the highlights shown in this preview:
- Word will have a new user interface dubbed "Elements Gallery," which speeds up document creation by allowing users to drag-and-drop predefined templates for some of the most commonly used "Document Parts," such as headers, footers and tables of contents.
- The new version of Word features a "Publishing Layout View" that lets users create incredibly layout-rich documents such as newsletters, fliers and brochures by uncovering desktop publishing layout tools and providing text box entry.
- Microsoft also previewed My Day, which is a stand-alone widget-like application that allows users to track priorities and stay on top of daily activities no matter what application they’re currently working in. It interfaces directly with Entourage -- another component of Microsoft Office -- offering at-a-glance schedule and task viewing without having to launch Entourage.
- The new version of Excel will add support for "Ledger Sheets," enabling anyone to use spreadsheet application to handle common financial management tasks. According to Microsoft, home and small-business users can balance checkbooks, track accounts or manage investment portfolios more easily than ever.
For additional photos of Word 2008, you can visit AppleInsider's Office 2008 photo gallery.
Source: "Microsoft Previews Development Version of Office 2008 for Mac", published at AppleInsider.
Comments