Microsoft previews Office 2011 conversation view, ribbon
updated 05:35 pm EDT, Wed July 28, 2010
New features highlighted in promo video
Microsoft has released a new promotional video previewing several of the new features in Office for Mac 2011. The video shows a new template gallery that allows users to choose from a range of included designs or a variety of additional content gathered from the Internet.
Outlook integration has been improved with the conversation view, along with a new database that supports Spotlight searches. E-mail content is also compatible with Time Machine for back-up and recovery.
Microsoft has highlighted the Office for Mac ribbon, which is based on the Office 2008 Elements Gallery but with the standard Mac menu and toolbar. Users can minimize the ribbon or the toolbar to take advantage of additional screen space.
Microsoft has yet to announce a launch date for Office for Mac 2011, although it is expected to ship sometime before the end of the year. The company recently began sending out beta invites to individuals signed up to the Connect service.
