Microsoft has released an update to the Word application that was already available for Android tablets. The fresh update has been developed for Android Lollipop OS running systems and also the one which are based on x86 architecture (32-bit), mostly Intel SoC.
I’ve been using the updated version that is currently available as Word for Tablet Preview. To get it for your Android tablet, you first need to join a community at Google+ and wait for your approval.
Once approved, you will get access to the latest update to the existing app, also notifying that you have qualified for the beta testing program, meaning access to a preview version of the app.
To be honest, I didn’t like the Word app which was available earlier when my Nexus 7 was running Android KitKat. It was very slow and I didn’t want to pay for Office 365 (I am still satisfied with Office 2013).
After this news rolled out, I went for the app, used it for writing few documents, and then updated it with the preview version after getting approval.
As you can see in screenshots, you have to login with a Microsoft account in order to allow yourself creating and editing documents. Otherwise, you can only view/read any existing one.
If network connectivity is there, then your documents are saved online in OneDrive of course, but it also offers an option to keep those documents offline.
Adding a comment is also possible and I was even allowed to give Print order right within the app. Finding a word or phrase is also possible.
Don’t forget to check the slideshow of screenshots.
Most of the text customization options are offered within, like Bold, Italic, Underline, bullets, etc. An inbuilt dictionary is also there along with running the spell checker.
Those tools can also be minimized (they simply wrap up above leaving a drop down arrow to get them back), and it feels really good as the app looks pretty clean.
One thing that I liked and so does every Office user is that the basic layout (UI) is kept identical to the PC version of the app. Selection of the word works faster and it is very quick to copy or cut a word (or group of them) and paste.
The Insert option allows insertion of Table, Pictures, Shapes, Text Box, Link, and few more things. Even the Layouts can be set and customized. The review option is there to display word count (earlier I was looking for it at the bottom), and some grammar related options.
The reading mode is pretty good and works instantly.
A simple sharing button is also there, which when clicked release the apps available to be used for that sharing with a much-needed option to share as an attachment (on the top).
The only thing I didn’t manage to control was the cursor when I needed to go back and correct something. It never pointed at the exact location before 2-3 attempts.
Writing with Swype enabled keyboard of Android Lollipop was also fun.
At this moment, this app is in Preview mode and I’m pretty much liking it for now. Still I wish to get it stable and have more features if possible.
The bottom line here is that you should try this app and I’m pretty sure that you will start loving your tablet again, for creating documents for your blog or any kind of daily reports. Just like Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps are also offered through the same program. I’m not at all expert in any of those so I request you to check them and share your experience in the discussion section beneath.
This app really helps you to write during traveling and night time when you no longer have energy to sit at your PC or Mac. Well, you don’t need to sit any more during those cozy time. Also, you should install Twilight app as it will keep your eyes from getting any strain during late hours work.
I hope you notice that this article was written in the same app, to offer an honest attempt. Stay tuned!