Office users on Mac and Windows can now work together in real time

Microsoft has just released a major update for Office on Mac, version 16.9.0 finally brings features to work in real time and automatically save to the cloud. The Office for Mac version is now built on the same codebase with the Windows version, for the first time in 20 years Office shares a codebase on all platforms.

Office for Mac is still going after Windows for the feature but this change will help 2 copies on 2 OS get closer together. The generic codebase doesn't mean everything is the same but supporting platforms (Windows, Mac, iOS and Android) on Microsoft will be simpler.

Office users on Mac and Windows can now work together in real time Picture 1
Users of Office Mac and Windows can now edit documents in real time

Office users on Mac have long wanted to have the same file editing feature in real time. This feature is the golden key of Google Docs and other Office similar products, but on Office (no matter which platform) it will take a long time to appear. The Office 2016 update is also available, but it is limited, and Excel on Windows must be available until the end of last year.

Now Mac and Windows users can see each other's changes in text in real time. Like Google Docs, there will be a thumbnail that shows who is manipulating the text. The flag icon indicates where they are editing and the changes will show in real time.

Word does not have any significant new features (despite security updates for vulnerabilities executing the code CVE-2018-0792 and CVE-2018-0794). Excel adds tables and functions, supports better PivotTable tables, and calculates formulas faster. PowerPoint can use the mouse as a laser pointer on Slide Showw, cut video, audio right in the application. Outlook supports swipe gestures and Google Contacts, Calendars.

See more:

1. Hacker exploited three vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office to spread Zyklon malware
2. Microsoft sues an IP address for activating piracy over 1,000 versions of Windows and Office
3. Microsoft Office is available on Chromebook