Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google


Office Web Apps Will Work on iPhones

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 11/17/08

Microsoft's Office Web applications, announced late last month at Microsoft's Professional Developers Conference, will work on "multiple platforms," including Apple's iPhone, according to a Microsoft Channel 10 blog.

Lightweight versions of Excel, OneNote, PowerPoint and Word will be accessible by supported Web browsers, including Internet Explorer, Firefox and Safari, according to the blog. The iPhone uses MobileSafari, a version of Apple's Web browser.

Safari support apparently is a new development. A FAQ on the Microsoft Office Live Workspace Web site just lists Internet Explorer and Firefox as the only compatible browsers. The browser won't have to use Microsoft's Silverlight to run the Office Web applications, the blog explains.

Users won't be restricted to Windows or Mac OS X operating systems. They can use Linux, as long as the browser is supported, according to the blog.

A Live ID will be needed to use Office Web applications. In order to collaborate and exchange document files over the Internet, users will need an Office Live Workspace account. The Workspace is just a storage place on the Internet -- it doesn't let you edit documents unless you have the associated Microsoft Office application located on your PC, Mac or device.

A second option for sharing documents in real time over the Internet is Microsoft SharedView, which is integrated with Office Live Workspace, according to the blog.

Microsoft is still figuring out how to price Office Web applications. Business customers can use them via subscription or "existing volume licensing agreements," the blog states. Consumers may get them via subscription or an ad-funded model through Office Live. Universities will get access to Office Web applications for free using the Live@edu service.

A "limited technical preview" of Office Web applications will be conducted this fall, according to Chris Bryant, group product manager for Microsoft Office. Bryant announced Office Web applications on Day 2 at the PDC, as shown in this video snippet.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • abstract illustration of artificial intelligence

    CSU Shares AI Learnings in Systemwide Survey

    In a systemwide survey of more than 94,000 faculty, staff, and students, California State University recently documented widespread AI use across its 22 campuses.

  • AI logo near computer equipment

    White House Releases National Policy Framework for AI

    The White House has released a four-page AI policy framework aimed at setting a national approach to AI, with priorities including child safety, intellectual property protections, truth and accuracy guardrails, and worker training for an AI-driven economy.

  • Dana Brunson facilitates a roundtable discussion with research and higher education IT leaders

    Internet2: Closing the Access Gap for Research Cyberinfrastructure

    Internet2's Research Engagement Team brings CIOs and other campus technology leadership together with research computing and data facilitators, forming a community that enables research cyberinfrastructure at institutions of all types and sizes.

  • Silhouettes of business professionals stand against a blurred futuristic city skyline at night, with a glowing digital network data connection

    It's Time for Higher Ed to Get Serious About AI Strategy

    Without a coordinated strategy that involves multiple academic and administrative units across the entire campus, colleges risk wasting resources, duplicating efforts, and ultimately failing to deliver on the promise of deploying technology to improve learning and operations.