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Universal Microsoft Office apps arrive on Windows 10 preview

Microsoft has announced the availability of the new ‘universal’ Office apps for those testing out the forthcoming Windows 10 operating system.

In a post on the Office blog, the firm revealed the touch-friendly versions of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel could now be downloaded for those rocking the preview.

The universal apps are designed to suit all users, whether they’re on traditional mouse and keyboard desktop platforms or touch-based smartphones and tablets running Windows 10.

The apps will work and sync perfectly between Windows 10 smartphones, right the way up to the newly-announced 84-inch Surface Hub display.

The apps can be downloaded from today form the Windows Store Beta for desktop users running the Windows 10 Technical Preview. They’ll land on touch-based platforms in the coming weeks.

Julia White, GM for the Office Product Management team wrote: “Two weeks ago we shared our plans to introduce new, Universal Office apps for Windows 10 including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and OneNote, that can be installed on PCs, tablets and phones.

“Today, we’re excited to announce that Word, Excel and PowerPoint are now available for technical preview on PCs, laptops and tablets running the Windows 10 Technical Preview! In the coming weeks, we’ll open up our preview for the same apps on phones and tablets running Windows 10.

“These “universal” Office apps are optimised for touch and mobile use and are a great way to take your work on the go, no keyboard or mouse required.”

Read more: Windows 10 vs Windows 8.1: When the time comes should you upgrade

On the blog page, Microsoft also pointed out some users were having trouble accessing and downloading the beta apps, so if you’re experiencing problems, the company is advising you to check back later.

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