The upcoming Microsoft Office 2024 version is designed to cater to both individual users and small businesses, with prices starting from 149.99 USD. According to The Verge, this standalone version of Office 2024 is targeted at users who prefer not to subscribe to Microsoft 365. It includes familiar applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook for both Windows and macOS platforms.
Microsoft has focused on incorporating updates available in Microsoft 365, with a particular emphasis on feature and interface enhancements. The company has integrated the new Fluent Design design language, making it suitable for the interface of Windows 11. Microsoft has also improved accessibility, making it easier to search and manipulate documents and tables.
Excel 2024 includes improvements such as the ability to reference dynamic arrays in tables, automatic data updates, and increased operating speed. PowerPoint now offers a cameo feature, allowing the insertion of a camera feed directly into the slide, along with tools for recording and creating subtitles for video and audio. Outlook has upgraded search capabilities and new options for meetings.
Moreover, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint now support inserting images from Android devices and the OpenDocument format (ODF) version 1.4. Word 2024 also includes the feature to automatically restore documents in the event of a computer crash due to a sudden power outage.
For installation and security updates, the Office 2024 Toolkit requires users to have a Microsoft account and an Internet connection. It is compatible with Windows 10/11 and the latest three versions of macOS. The Home version is priced at 149.99 USD, while the Home and Business 2024 version is priced at 249.99 USD, which includes Outlook and commercial use rights.