A "real" Microsoft Office for smartphones? Can it work? Our editor used the Nokia Lumia 620 to test what the popular office software can do on the move.
Until now, third-party apps were usually required to display Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents. With MS Office for Windows 8, this task is taken over by the inventor himself. So if you receive a corresponding file, you can open it with the corresponding original app from Microsoft. And if you log in to an Office app with your Office 365 account, you also have your collected documents at hand on the go.
The format and layout remain largely the same as the original. However, the new file formats (.DOCX, .XLSX and .PPTX.) are important. This is because the older ones (.DOC, .XLS, .PPT) either cannot be opened or cannot be saved. Editing is possible, although not to the same extent as on a PC.
But what is actually possible with the mobile versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint? Our test with a Nokia Lumia 620 from Yourfone.co.uk verrät’s.
Mobile Word
Admittedly: Professional word processing on a smartphone is impossible, all attempts are silly. However, anyone who finds themselves in the position of having to edit a text at the last minute will appreciate the functions.
Auf dem Lumia 620 funktioniert alles – bis aufs Tippen – soweit reibungslos. Es lassen sich neue Dokumente anlegen und vorhandene anpassen. Viel wichtiger sind aber die Lese- und Kommentarfunktionen, die den Umständen entsprechend gut arbeiten: Texte lassen sich flott durchblättern, Kommentare einfach einfügen.
And of course the user can also format the text. However, there are no different fonts to choose from. Finally, the mobile Word version even has a spell checker.
Mobile Excel
Mobile Excel can be used to create and edit tables, charts and workbooks. Excel actually works a little better than Word, mainly because you don't have to type as much.
Of course, the full range of functions is not available here either, but important functions such as auto-total, sorting and comment functions are on board. Charts are also created quickly, in this case the charts appear in a second folder.
Mobile PowerPoint
Microsoft has slimmed down Powerpoint the most. In principle, it is not much more than a display program with limited editing functions. In principle, the app is only suitable for reviewing a presentation for a meeting. At least it is possible to edit the text and add notes.
Conclusion: MS Office is this mobile
The apps do not have the same range of functions as the "big" PC Office, but they still do a good job. The compatibility is impressive, and the most important features for "quickly" checking or commenting on a text or table are included.
Article above: Screenshot from the Youtube-Kanal von „Nokia“