Microsoft has officially launched Office 2024, its latest standalone productivity suite for Windows and Mac users who prefer a one-time purchase over the subscription-based Microsoft 365 service. This release brings several updates and improvements to the core Office applications, aiming to bridge the gap with features previously exclusive to Microsoft 365 subscribers.
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| Office 2024 brings a fresh and modern approach to productivity with its latest updates |
Key Features and Improvements
The Office 2024 suite introduces a range of enhancements across its applications:
- New Fluent Design Theme : A refreshed visual style that aligns with Windows 11's aesthetics.
- Performance Boost : Microsoft claims faster app performance, though specific metrics aren't provided.
- Accessibility Enhancements : Improved features to identify and address accessibility issues in documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and emails.
- Excel Updates : New text and array functions, dynamic charts with dynamic arrays, and a new IMAGE function for web-based image imports.
- PowerPoint Additions : Live camera feed integration (Cameo), video presentation recording capabilities, and closed captioning support.
- Outlook Improvements : Enhanced search functionality and new meeting creation options.
- Word Enhancements : Better document recovery after unexpected closures and system crashes.
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| Word 2024 has an improved file recovery feature, helping users manage document loss effectively |
Pricing and Editions
Office 2024 is available in two editions:
- Office Home 2024 : Priced at $149.99, includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for one PC or Mac.
- Office Home & Business 2024 : Priced at $249.99, adds Outlook and commercial use rights to the package.
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| Excel 2024 can now reference Dynamic Arrays, enhancing data management and analysis |
Compatibility and Requirements
The suite is compatible with Windows 10 and 11, as well as the three most recent versions of macOS. Notably, Microsoft states that Office 2024 requires both a Microsoft account and an internet connection, though it's unclear if this is solely for activation and initial setup or if it extends to regular usage.
Market Position
While Microsoft continues to push its Microsoft 365 subscription service, the release of Office 2024 acknowledges that some users still prefer a one-time purchase option. However, the company describes these as locked-in-time versions, suggesting that feature updates may be limited compared to the continuously evolving Microsoft 365 offering.
As the productivity software landscape becomes increasingly competitive, with numerous alternatives available, Microsoft's decision to maintain a standalone Office suite demonstrates its commitment to serving diverse user preferences in the evolving digital workspace.