Tag - Office 365
Microsoft Planner to help Office 365 users manage projects
Microsoft has introduced a new tool to its Office suite of apps, which it will be providing to its Office 365 subscribers in the near future. As the name suggests, Microsoft Planner is an app dedicated to planning projects, with users able to structure the work into tasks, allocate them to members of the project team, and to visualize both how far the project has progressed and what needs to be done in order to complete all of the work.
Microsoft OneDrive free storage cut from 15GB to 5GB, as promised
Microsoft has sent an email to affected users of its OneDrive cloud storage service that it will be reducing their free storage from 15GB to 5GB. The latest change to OneDrive free storage allocations affects OneDrive subscribers who did not get bonus space through subscribing to Office 365. All new users who sign up to OneDrive have been capped a 5GB of free storage since the initial policy change was announced late last year, which is in line with the free allocation Apple offers iCloud users. Office 365 subscribers are not affected by the change in policy.
Hands On: Microsoft Hub Keyboard 1.0 (iPhone)
The flood of replacements for Apple's default iOS keyboard died down after developers went crazy offering every conceivable gimmick, and users realized how few of them were any good. We're now at the stage where the only new keyboards that appear are ones that look like they've been built to solve a particular need, and in the case of Microsoft Hub Keyboard 1.0, that need is to speed up typing for Office 365 users.
Microsoft removes unlimited OneDrive storage, reduces free allocation
Microsoft is changing the amount of space available on its OneDrive, following the abuse of the cloud storage service by some users. Effectively reversing a change from one year ago, Office 365 Home, Personal, and University accounts will lose their unlimited OneDrive allowances in favor of a fixed maximum of 1TB, with other alterations to plans including the removal of the 100GB and 200GB plans, a new lower-capacity tier, and the reduction of the free storage allocation from 15GB to 5GB.
Microsoft mandating Office 365 subscription for editing on iPad Pro
Microsoft is calling the iPad Pro's larger size not a "true mobile device," and as such, will require an Office 365 subscription to allow users to edit and save documents. At this time, the end user agreement for the iOS version doesn't specify this restriction, but the Android and Windows Store version both have the restrictive clause.
Hands On: Microsoft Excel 2016 v15.11.2 (OS X)
It's no longer enough for Microsoft to add the odd new feature and scrub up the appearance of an app: the world has moved on, not least in that we now call them all "apps" instead of "applications." With Office 2016 now available to Office 365 users (if their companies have enabled it, or if they sign up themselves), our attention did go first to the new version of Microsoft Word. Office for Mac really contains four major applications (and OneNote, which we'll call a minor one) though, and while we personally might lump PowerPoint and Outlook together into the guest-cast category, Microsoft Excel 2016 15.11.2 is definitely a star of the show.
Microsoft Office 2016 for Mac launches for 365 subscribers
Following a four-month public beta period, Microsoft on Thursday released Office 2016 for Mac, now available for immediate download to existing Office 365 subscribers. The new release, strongly modeled on the existing design changes seen in the iPad version of the productivity suite, is the first new full version of Office for Mac since 2010, and adds features such as the Ribbon interface, sandboxing support, Retina screen optimization, and support for fullscreen view.
Microsoft offers pro-rated refunds to Office 365 iPad subscribers
In the wake of Microsoft reversing course, and adding document creation and editing to all iOS users of its Office suite for iPad at no charge, the company is offering refunds for Office 365 subscribers who request it. The offer is limited, with significant restrictions: it requires proof of purchase, is likely not available to those who purchased through the app, and is pro-rated.
Outlook for Mac gets revamp, MS lays out Office for Mac roadmap
Confirming recent leaks, Microsoft has announced a new version of Outlook for Mac, incorporating several significant changes. The update includes a "modern," revamped user interface, with touches such as better scrolling and switching between Ribbon tabs. The underlying engine has also been made faster and more reliable, thanks to improvements in threading and database code.
Microsoft adds unlimited storage to OneDrive for Office 365 accounts
Microsoft is upping the ante in the cloud storage market, by offering some users unlimited OneDrive storage. Subscribers of Office 365 will soon see their allowance upgraded from their current 1TB allocation, itself raised from 20GB in June, with Home, Personal, and University customers set to receive the upgrades starting from today.
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Cirrus creates Lightning-headphone dev kit
Apple supplier Cirrus Logic has introduced a MFi-compliant new development kit for companies interested in using Cirrus' chips to create Lightning-based headphones, which -- regardless of whether rumors about Apple dropping the analog headphone jack in its iPhone this fall -- can offer advantages to music-loving iOS device users. The kit mentions some of the advantages of an all-digital headset or headphone connector, including higher-bitrate support, a more customizable experience, and support for power and data transfer into headphone hardware. Several companies already make Lightning headphones, and Apple has supported the concept since June 2014. http://bit.ly/29giiZj
Apple Store app offers Procreate Pocket
The Apple Store app for iPhone, which periodically rewards users with free app gifts, is now offering the iPhone "Pocket" version of drawing app Procreate for those who have the free Apple Store app until July 28. Users who have redeemed the offer by navigating to the "Stores" tab of the app and swiping past the "iPhone Upgrade Program" banner to the "Procreate" banner have noted that only the limited Pocket (iPhone) version of the app is available free, even if the Apple Store app is installed and the offer redeemed on an iPad. The Pocket version currently sells for $3 on the iOS App Store. [32.4MB]
Porsche adds CarPlay to 2017 Panamera
Porsche has added a fifth model of vehicle to its CarPlay-supported lineup, announcing that the 2017 Panamera -- which will arrive in the US in January -- will include Apple's infotainment technology, and be seen on a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen as part of an all-new Porsche Communication Management system. The luxury sedan starts at $99,900 for the 4S model, and scales up to the Panamera Turbo, which sells for $146,900. Other vehicles that currently support CarPlay include the 2016 911 and the 2017 models of Macan, 718 Boxster, and 718 Cayman. The company did not mention support for Google's corresponding Android Auto in its announcement. http://bit.ly/295ZQ94
Apple employees testing wheelchair features
New features included in the forthcoming watchOS 3 are being tested by Apple retail store employees, including a new activity-tracking feature that has been designed with wheelchair users in mind. The move is slightly unusual in that, while retail employees have previously been used to test pre-release versions of OS X and iOS, this marks the first time they've been included in the otherwise developer-only watchOS betas. The company is said to have gone to great lengths to modify the activity tracker for wheelchair users, including changing the "time to stand" notification to "time to roll" and including two wheelchair-centric workout apps. http://bit.ly/2955JDa
SanDisk reveals two 256GB microSDXC cards
SanDisk has introduced two 256GB microSDXC cards. Arriving in August for $150, the Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Premium Edition card offers transfer speeds of up to 95MB/s for reading data. The Extreme microSDXC UHS-I card can read at a fast 100MB/s and write at up to 90MB/s, and will be shipping sometime in the fourth quarter for $200. http://bit.ly/294Q1If
Apple's third-quarter results due July 26
Apple has advised it will be issuing its third-quarter results on July 26, with a conference call to answer investor and analyst queries about the earnings set to take place later that day. The stream of the call will go live at 2pm PT (5pm ET) via Apple's investor site, with the results themselves expected to be released roughly 30 minutes before the call commences. Apple's guidance for the quarter put revenue at between $41 billion and $43 billion. http://apple.co/1oi1Pbm
Twitter stickers slowly roll out to users
Twitter has introduced "stickers," allowing users to add extra graphical elements to their photos before uploading them to the micro-blogging service. A library of hundreds of accessories, props, and emoji will be available to use as stickers, which can be resized, rotated, and placed anywhere on the photograph. Images with stickers will also become searchable with viewers able to select a sticker to see how others use the same graphic in their own posts. Twitter advises stickers will be rolling out to users over the next few weeks, and will work on both the mobile apps and through the browser. http://bit.ly/29bbwUE
