Microsoft Office For IOS, Android Coming In Early 2013: Report

Microsoft has remained mum over its plans for the Office application for iOS and Android despite the fact that the product has been widely rumored and was even recently spotted running on Apple's iPad.

However, it seems that the rumor is going to become a reality soon as the latest report has claimed that the company will release the Office version for both Android and iOS in early 2013.

The Verge reported, citing “several sources close to Microsoft's plans,” that Office Mobile would be available as a free app allowing Android and iOS users to view Microsoft Office documents on the move.

“Like the existing SkyDrive and OneNote apps, Office Mobile will require a Microsoft account,” said the report. “On first launch, a Microsoft account will provide access to the basic viewing functionality in the apps. Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents will all be supported, and edit functionality can be enabled with an Office 365 subscription.”

The report said that iOS users would be allowed to buy an Office 365 subscription within the app. In addition, organizations could also be allowed to distribute codes in order to enable Office Mobile editing for users.

“The apps will allow for basic editing, but we're told this won't go very far in attempting to replace regular full use of a desktop Office version,” the report added.

Microsoft said in a recent press release that Office Mobile apps for Android and iOS would be made available from March next year. However, The Verge has noted that Office Mobile for iOS could arrive first in the late February or early March while the Android version could follow in May.

"In addition to Windows, Office will be also available on other operating systems, Windows Phone, Windows RT, Mac OS, Android, iOS and Symbian," said the press release. "Office 365 services and other Office products for mobile (phones and tablets) will be released from March 2013.”