Microsoft has unveiled two new standalone versions of Office for Mac, providing users with subscription-free options. The Office Home 2024 is priced at 9.99, offering a refreshing alternative to the company’s subscription model.
Standalone Value Proposition
For those who prefer a one-time purchase, these standalone versions present an appealing value. Users can buy the software outright and enjoy its features indefinitely, with the option to upgrade only when they desire the latest enhancements. This contrasts sharply with the Microsoft 365 subscription model, which the company heavily promotes on its homepage, often overshadowing these alternatives.
For home users, Microsoft typically recommends the Microsoft 365 Family plan at .99 per year. However, the company does discreetly offer the option to purchase Office outright, releasing new versions approximately every two to three years. Even with regular upgrades, the standalone versions tend to be more economical in the long run, especially for those who may not find the latest features compelling enough to warrant an upgrade.
The newly launched Office 2024 for Mac is available in two distinct versions:
- Office Home 2024 at 9.99
- Office Home & Business 2024 at 9.99
The more affordable Office Home 2024 includes essential applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Meanwhile, the Office Home & Business 2024 version adds Outlook and allows for both personal and commercial use.
Modest Upgrades and Enhanced Features
While the upgrades from Office 2021 for Mac may appear modest, they do introduce some noteworthy enhancements. For instance, users can expect improved performance in Excel, particularly when handling multiple workbooks simultaneously. Additionally, Mac users can now customize swipe gestures in Outlook using a multi-touch trackpad or Magic Mouse.
Excel now offers new functions that simplify the use of text and arrays within worksheets. Users can easily paste images directly or utilize the IMAGE function to incorporate images without altering the formatting. Furthermore, dynamic arrays in charts will automatically update to reflect all data as they recalculate.
In PowerPoint, users can seamlessly embed a live camera feed into their slides with the new cameo feature. The recording studio functionality allows for narration, animations, transitions, and inking to be captured in a single recording.
For those interested in purchasing Office Home 2024, it is available through Microsoft’s official channels.
Image: Microsoft
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