Microsoft
recently launched the Surface Laptop 5 and Surface Pro 9 at its Ignite 2022 event. While the new hardware debut got most of the attention, the company made a few software announcements as well. The software giant introduced
Microsoft 365
– a new name and space for its go-to productivity suite
Microsoft Office
. The change in moniker comes after almost 30 years after its launch on November 19, 1990. The Windows-maker first renamed Office 365 subscriptions to Microsoft 365 two years ago and now the whole app pack will be known by a new name.
Microsoft Office is now Microsoft 365
Microsoft will now refer to Microsoft Office suite as Microsoft 365 and it will have apps like Excel,
Outlook
, Word, and
PowerPoint
. It will also have a new icon, a new look, and even more features.
“Over the last couple years, Microsoft 365 has evolved into our flagship productivity suite, so we are creating an experience to help you get the most out of Microsoft 365. In the coming months, Office.com, the Office mobile app, and the Office app for Windows will become the
Microsoft 365 app
, with a new icon, a new look, and even more features,” the company said in FAQs of Microsoft 365.
When Microsoft 365 will roll out
The Redmond-based company says that the changes related to Microsoft 365 will begin rolling out for Office.com in November 2022. The changes for the Office app on Windows and the Office mobile app will begin rolling out in January 2023. All the changes will apply to all those who use the Office app for work, school, or personal use.
What will Microsoft 365 include
Microsoft 365 will include apps like
Microsoft Teams
, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, and more that people have already been using on personal computers and in offices. Microsoft says there will be no impact to your existing account, profile, subscription, or files.
How to access Microsoft 365 tools
Microsoft will release a new Microsoft 365 app on the web, Microsoft Store (for Windows), and on both Google Play and the Apple App Store. The app will give you access to all productivity tools.
What's new in Microsoft 365
Microsoft 365 will get new types of content creation and templates, new Apps module, Welcome Badging that will allow you to see your Microsoft 365 subscription status and track storage usage in one easy place, and My Content feature to access all your content, among others.