Microsoft plans to end compatibility with its Android-based Office applications for Chrome OS users. From September 18, Chromebooks that depend on Android versions Office, Outlook, OneNote, and OneDrive will need to migrate to the web to access files and folders.
As for Chromebooks confirmed the next change with Microsoft after a reader pointed to the messaging in an Office app urging them to move to the web. A Microsoft support The page also suggests that users access Microsoft 365 through available web applications. The support page adds that Android, Outlook, OneNote, and OneDrive versions of Android are not currently supported on a Chromebook.
The move from Microsoft to the web is apparently an attempt to provide an “optimized experience” for Chrome OS users.
“This transition allows Chrome OS / Chromebook customers to access additional and premium features, “a Microsoft spokesman said. As for Chromebooks.
The Office web experience is a progressive web application or PWA, so it has all the features, not to mention that it will scale better on larger screens (as in a 17 inches Acer 317 Chromebook, for example).
G / O Media may receive a commission
But even though it sounds pretty dry, yesnce this transition happens, it will be harder to edit and get cloud-based documents when your Chromebook is offline. That denies the whole point of Chrome OS, which is one cloud-based operating system that allows you work on documents without an internet connection. But not if Microsoft Office PWAs don’t offer offline mode.
On the other hand, being forced to use Microsoft web-based apps eliminates any rude interactions you may have had with Android apps in Chrome OS. Android apps don’t always translate well on the Chromebook’s big screen. But it eliminates the possibility of adding a “native” Microsoft app to Chrome OS, which Chromebook users tend to prefer.
The movement arrives as tthe company launches its company renovated Windows 11 in the fall, which he adopts an easier to touch user interface. Cif we consider that Windows 11 will have native application for Android compatibility (although through the Amazon Appstore), it’s a bit strange for Microsoft to move away from these Android-specific apps.
As for Chromebooks reminded me that there is one Office editing Google extension that allows you to download Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files for editing with Google Docs, Spreadsheets, and Presentations. It allows you to edit these files in Google Docs without the Internet and stays dormant in the background until it detects an active connection, when it uploads the changes. There are also open source alternatives to opening and editing Office files, that is, the Linux version of LibreOffice, a relatively easy installation on your Chromebook if you’re not intimidated by Linux apps.
Of course, the easiest solution would be a no you have to find an alternative. With luck Microsoft addresses these concerns before the official deadline.