Top 10: Personal Office software

2019. Google Docs now lets natively edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint



Until recently, in order to edit Microsoft Office files within Google Docs, it was necessary to convert them into Google's own format. However, a significant development has taken place: Google has recently revealed its plan to introduce native support for Microsoft's Word, Excel, and PowerPoint formats, such as .docx, .xls, and .ppt. This exciting update allows users to engage in real-time collaboration using Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides while working with these file formats. While this feature is already accessible in the commercial versions of the mentioned applications, it will soon be made available to regular users as well, with the release expected as early as this month.


2018. Microsoft removes device limits for consumer Office 365 subscribers



Microsoft has announced that it will soon eliminate the device limit on its consumer-grade Office 365 subscriptions and increase the number of users allowed within a single Office 365 Home plan. Effective from October 2, subscribers will be able to install Office on an unlimited number of devices. Presently, Office 365 Home, priced at $100 per year, permits installation of the suite's applications (such as Word, Outlook, Excel, etc.) on only 10 devices, or two devices per user for up to five users covered by a single subscription. On the other hand, Office 365 Personal, a $70 annual plan catering to individual users, currently limits the device count to a total of two.

2016. Zoho takes on Microsoft Office again


Zoho has introduced a completely redesigned word processing application, Zoho Writer, which aims to adapt to your work style rather than impose its own. The new user interface (UI) follows the document's life cycle by incorporating modes. In Compose mode, you have ample space to capture your thoughts, and the tools are strategically placed to streamline document creation and editing. Review mode facilitates real-time collaboration and editing with others. Distribute mode equips you with the necessary tools to finalize and share your document. Additionally, Zoho Writer incorporates several new features such as Access Receipts, WordPress integration, e-Signature Support, and the ability to lock selected content.


2013. Teamlab launches free alternative to Google Docs and MS Office



The online service Teamlab has gained recognition not only for its collaboration and business management features but also for its impressive online document editors, comparable to Google Docs, MS Office Web Apps, or Zoho Docs. Previously, these editors were exclusively available to paid users of Teamlab. However, today marks the launch of a free productivity tool called Teamlab Personal, which serves as an alternative to Google Drive, Skydrive, and Zoho Docs. This tool offers cloud file storage coupled with office editors. According to Teamlab, it combines the rich formatting features of MS Office with the collaborative tools of Google Docs. Users can upload and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents directly from their computers and even import documents from other online services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, SkyDrive, and Box (note that the latter three services have their own document editors). With Teamlab Personal, you can easily share files with colleagues, co-edit them in real-time, add comments, and even embed documents on your web page.


2013. Box takes on Microsoft Office and OneNote with own online document editor



From the beginning of its history the online collaboration service Box tried to hit Microsoft. More specifically, Microsoft SharePoint. These days it looked like a funny PR pitch, but look: now Box is big and growing while Sharepoint is disappearing in Office 365. And now Box is launching its own online document editor Box Notes, and Microsoft should start to worry. For building this tool Box hired Steven Sinofsky (who ran Microsoft Office and Windows) and Sam Schillace, a key force behind Google Docs. Of course, MS office - is the standard for exchanging documents between organizations. When you send a document to your client or partner, you want to be sure that the document will open and look the same as you format it. That is why all organizations use MS Office, and it will be very difficult to push Microsoft from this position. ***