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November 29, 2007

software

Reminder: Office for Mac 2008 is still coming

Posted Nov. 29, ’07, 2:25 PM PT by Dan Pourhadi
Category | Software

officemac2.jpgAlmost every major OS X app is now Universal — meaning it can run natively on Intel Macs, without the use of Apple’s Rosetta software. (Isn’t it funny how it’s been so long since Apple adopted Intel processors that I feel I have to explain what a Universal app is?)

Almost every app: Microsoft Office ‘04 is still very much Rosetta-y, built specifically for PowerPC-based Macs. That means it’s slow, slow, slow, unless you’ve got a crap-load of RAM. And, c’mon — Office 2004? It’s 2007, man, get with it. Windows has Office 2007 with that contentious ribbon thing, and we’re stuck in past.

Well, not for long. The folks at the Mac BU have been slowly disseminating info on Office for Mac ‘08 with their once-baren sneak-preview site, hoping to constantly remind us that yes, there is a new version coming, and yes, it will be worth the wait.

Some new details to come from the site, for PowerPoint:

  • iPhoto Library integration: Their new Object Palette will let you add photos directly from your iPhoto Library to PowerPoint, similar to the Media Browser in many Apple apps.
  • Export to iPhoto: Export your slides directly to iPhoto — each slide will be an individual photo. You’ll also be able to export them to your Mac’s Pictures folder.
  • iPhone/iPod sync: Export PowerPoint presentations to video-capable iPods, then use them to do your presentation (similar to Keynote iPod/iPhone exporting).

There’s also been some info on the new Word. From Infinite Loop:

The Word feature on display this week is the Notebook layout, which has received a number of additions in Office 2008. The background and look of the notebook page can be customized and tabs can be color-coded. Word will also let you sync audio notes to a Word notebook page, which should be handy for taped meetings with transcripts. Finally, flags can be added to notes for easy access later, and the flags can also be turned into Entourage to-dos.

Yummy. Check out the Office preview site for more details (preview videos, photo galleries, etc.) on the rest of the Office apps. And circle January 15th, 2008, on your calendar: Office ‘08’s release date.

[via Infinite Loop and MacDailyNews]


3 Comments

Eduardo said:

As much as some people like to knock-off on Microsoft; I for one, look forward to running Office Mac '08.

I bought Office Mac '04; on Amazon and not only will I receive a $100.00 rebate but I will get a free (minus shipping) upgrade once the new version ships.

Kewl.

November 29, 2007 3:03 PM
wesg Author Profile Page said:

Like Eduardo, I am also looking forward to Office 2008. As much as I want iWork to replace Office - and Keynote pretty much blows PPT away everywhere - I just can't let go of the familiarity of Word and the compatibility of the other apps.

And the iPhoto photo integration is very much welcomed.

November 29, 2007 4:46 PM
Stanislav Majerski said:

In my case I am happt that Apple updated the iwork suite that makes the M$ office obsolete.

Better integration, faster loading, nicer templates (If you use them) and the price difference.

November 30, 2007 1:29 AM

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