Since downloading the new Office Customer Preview, you've likely updated your vocabulary to match the new things you're doing--moving documents from USB drives into the cloud or using a stylus that never runs out of ink. In honor of saying goodbye to, "I wish I could use content from this PDF," and hello to opening PDF files as familiar Word documents, we've put together a PowerPoint slideshow to celebrate just 10 of the things you'll never have to say with the new Office. There are dozens more solutions to discover, so dive into the Preview and tell @Office what features have changed your tune (hashtag #OfficePreview). If you haven't downloaded your modern Office yet, get it for free at office.com/preview.

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With the launch of Windows today, we are introducing new versions of existing Office applications. The new OneNote and Lync apps are available today for free through the Windows Store. Both have been redesigned to take advantage of the Windows experience with immersive touch capabilities throughout. They also work well with mouse and keyboard, so you can have a great experience whether you're on-the-go, on the couch or at your desk. In OneNote, for instance, we've added the "Radial Menu," a new touch...

Last year, Adobe became a pioneer in offering software subscriptions by unveiling Creative Cloud, their subscription-only software service. Yesterday, they took the next step by announcing plans to discontinue development of their Creative Suite or other CS products. Industry reaction is mixed. Like Adobe, we think subscription software-as-a-service is the future. The benefits are huge. Subscribers get the latest and most complete applications, not to mention support across the multitude of devices people use today.

We think people's shift from packaged software to subscription services will take time. In the meantime, we are committed to offering choice--premier software sold as a package and powerful services sold as a subscription. What do you think about software subscriptions-- #progressive or #premature?

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Guest blogger Janna Robinson is the host of DIY Network's Hollywood Hi-Tech and a lifestyle technology expert with a mission to educate and empower people by making technology approachable, fashionable, and fun. As a bicoastal entrepreneur who is also planning a wedding, she uses Office 365 to simplify her life--staying connected and organized with a seamless blend of services, devices, and style. Read on to see how Janna does it and how you can too.

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Today, in Las Vegas, we kicked off SharePoint Conference 2012 with more than ten thousand customers, partners and enthusiasts. Here's a snapshot of news you won't want to miss.

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Welcome to Office News-the new home for Microsoft Office announcements! Over the next several months, this is the place where we'll be sharing news related to the Microsoft Office Division.

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Last summer, Microsoft made a $1.2B investment in Yammer, recognizing enterprise social as key to how companies communicate and collaborate. Fast forward only eight months, and the momentum is tremendous. We've just finished our third quarter and Yammer sales grew 259% year-over year, Yammer gained 312 new customers, and March marked Yammer's best month to-date in terms of user engagement. We're excited about the value customers are seeing with Office 365 and Yammer together, and we believe this is just the beginning.

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Last week, we unveiled the new Office. This is our most ambitious release to date. It is a touch-friendly, social release that is at its best on Windows 8 works wherever you do in the cloud. As part of this introduction, we also unveiled a new logo and new naming for this modern Office. Such a significant release deserved a fresh look. This post explains the story behind the new logo and the different ways you get the new Office.

 

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Today, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer unveiled the customer preview of the new Microsoft Office, available at www.office.com/preview. The next release brings the familiar Office applications to a range of devices, including the hottest new Windows 8 tablets. The new Office also has a fast and fluid design that works with touch, stylus, mouse, or keyboard. It's also social, and unlocks modern scenarios in reading, note taking, meetings, and communications, all delivered through a personalized cloud service that's always up to date. For more information, visit Microsoft News Center.

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The new Office provides powerful new capabilities and advancements that enterprises can get excited about. This fall, we have two major product-focused conferences - Microsoft Exchange Conference (MEC) in September and Microsoft SharePoint Conference (SPC) in November - that will dive deep into new features for enterprises. However, today you can view a video from July's Office preview event, which features demos of a sampling of the new Office's enterprise capabilities.

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