Microsoft Looking To Update Office Apps For Windows Phone

Over the past few months, Microsoft has been notably turning its attention to developing mobile software solutions even on platforms that it competes with. The company has not been denying it, and has even stated on record that it is employing a strategy that lets them go where their users are, no matter what the platform.

It is an interesting tactic to say the least, and may be a very smart move. After all, Microsoft's hardware sales are no longer as dominant as before and it may make more sense for them to choose their battles more wisely this time. 

But the result is that Microsoft has often lagged in polishing its own mobile solutions for its own platform, Windows Phone. This is a bit of a shame because Office apps for Android and iOS are already way ahead in terms of touchscreen-friendly capabilities, something which is lacking in Windows Phone, supposedly the home platform of Office apps.

However, that is set to change in 2015. Joe Belfiore, the corporate vice president of Microsoft's Operating Systems Group stated via a post in Chinese microblogging website Weibo that users can expect news of the latest developments regarding Office apps on Windows Phone not later than the Chinese New Year.

That's on February 16, which should give Microsoft around six weeks of time to make its announcement. it is also quite possible that Microsoft will make its announcement much earlier than that. The company will be holding its Windows 10 event on January 21st. We may be hearing new updates about the Office apps in that event.

It's about time, really. For some time now, fans of the Windows Phone platform have been vocal in expressing their frustration over the lack of updates regarding Office apps for Windows Phone. Even Belfiore has admitted that he himself has received feedback from these disgruntled users. 

In his statement, Belfiore assured consumers that his team is not neglecting Windows Phone. He explained that the company is just coordinating all its announcements into a single event. 

Belfiore also stated in the post that Microsoft is working on new features that should cater specifically to the Chinese market, hence the posting on Weibo, a Chinese website. China has always been a priority for Nokia before it got acquired by Microsoft. And now that Microsoft is holding the reins, it might as well continue to serve that lucrative and very large market.