Microsoft Office for iOS, Android could debut early next year
A version of Office for the iPhone, iPad, and Android devices -- dubbed Office Mobile -- will launch in early 2013, according to the Verge.
iOS and Android users may finally see a mobile version of Microsoft Office designed for their devices.
Citing "several sources close to Microsoft's plans," the Verge said today that the new apps are set to pop up early next year.
Office Mobile, as it's dubbed, would let Microsoft account users view Word, PowerPoint, and Excel files on their mobile devices. But, the Verge added, editing the documents would require an Office 365 subscription. The apps would reportedly provide basic editing functionality but nothing close to that of their desktop counterparts.
Last month, a press release from Microsoft's Czech Republic office said that Office Mobile would launch next February. But Microsoft told the Verge that this information was not accurate.
Reports of a mobile version of Office have been making the rounds for awhile.
Microsoft has confirmed the existence of the product but has been mum about a launch date and other details. Responding to one report last month, the company told CNET that "Office Mobile will work across Windows Phones, Android phones, and iOS, and we have nothing additional to announce today about retail availability of the new Office."
CNET contacted Microsoft for comment today, and a spokesperson again simply said that "Office will work across Windows Phone, iOS, and Android phones."
Certain third-party Office apps are already available for iOS and Android users.
CloudOn offers an Office document viewer and editor. OnLive Desktop provides a virtual Windows environment with access to versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Documents to Go is another app that lets you view and edit Office documents.
Updated 8 a.m. PT with response from Microsoft.