Microsoft on Monday announced the release of Office 2024, a new non-subscription version of its productivity suite for both Mac and Windows PCs. The new version, available now, offers a one-time purchase option in place of the subscription-based Microsoft 365, for the subscription-averse among us.
As you might expect, the new release includes updated versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook. While the suite is a one-time-only purchase, these applications won’t receive ongoing feature updates like their Microsoft 365 brethren.
Mac users will see several improvements in Office 2024. Outlook for Mac brings customizable swipe gestures designed to enhance email management and work with Magic Trackpad and Magic Mouse, allowing them to customize swipe left and swipe right gestures in Outlook for Mac with a multi-touch trackpad or magic mouse.
Excel now boasts faster performance, particularly when working with multiple open workbooks. PowerPoint now boasts new features, including “cameo,” which allows users to embed a live camera feed directly into slides. The app now also includes a “recording studio” for capturing narration, animations, transitions, and inking.
Word and PowerPoint now offer support for liking and reacting to comments in collaborative documents.
The suite now offers support for version 1.4 of the OpenDocument format (ODF) across Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Availability of Office 2024
Office 2024 is available in two editions. Office Home 2024 ($149.99 USD) includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for one Mac or PC. Office Home & Business 2024 ($249.99 USD) includes everything in Office Home 2024 plus Outlook and the rights to use the apps for commercial purposes. Both editions are available from retailers worldwide and via Microsoft.com.
Office 2024 runs on macOS Ventura, macOS Sonoma, and macOS Sequoia, as well as Windows 10 and 11. Office 2024 requires both a Microsoft account and an internet connection.
