Apple iPad getting Microsoft Office Suite? Sources say coming soon

By: Chenda Ngak
Topics: Tech Talk

(Credit: Microsoft)

(CBS) - Microsoft is weeks away from launching an iPad version of its popular Office Suite.

According to The Daily, a source close to the matter revealed that the app was in the works in Nov. and will launch in weeks. The release will include classic Office programs like Word, Excel and PowerPoint. There is no indication that Outlook Express will be included in the app package.

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If the sources are correct, the app will be able to read and create files on the iPad that will sync to the cloud. Microsoft's cloud storage service SkyDrive will likely be utilized to enable syncing.

The Daily reported they had a brief hands-on with a prototype of the software and noticed the user interface resembles the OneNote app and Microsoft's new Metro style.

It's been speculated that the app will cost about $10, which is on par with Apple's office applications Pages, Numbers and Keynote.

As far as we know, there is no Android version of Office Suite planned. Android users do have access to alternatives, like Google Documents and Quickoffice.

News of the iPad app coincides with an announcement that Microsoft will be launching a SkyDrive Metro app for Windows 8. If Microsoft makes the app available on the iPad, as well as the Office Suite, it would further make using Microsoft Office Suite a seamless, cross-platform experience.

Windows 8 is currently available for developers. Rumors place an official launch date in the fall of 2012.

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