Despite the normal lag between Windows and Mac releases of Office, Microsoft has today launched the latest version of its productivity suite for OSX - just a few months after the launch of Office 2010.
The key changes in Office 2011 seem to revolve around the idea of unifying the software with its Windows counterpart, both in terms of design and features. This starts with the direct integration of web-based services across all programs, including Office Web Apps, SharePoint and Windows Live SkyDrive for remote file storage.
As well as updates to Word, PowerPoint and Excel, this release will mark the arrival of Outlook for Mac, replacing Entourage as the e-mail and information-management client.
There are also numerous UI enhancements that again aim to unify the experience for OSX and Windows users. This includes the debut of the tab-based Ribbon interface - a staple of Office releases for Windows since 2007 - to provide faster access to frequently used features, though some may find the change jarring at first.
Office 2011 is shipping now in 'Home and Student' and 'Home and Business' editions. The former has an MSRP of £109.99 for three licences, and the latter - which is the only version to include Outlook - will cost £189.99 for a single user. However, prices are already being discounted, bringing them in-line with the cost of the Windows releases.
In an related announcement, Microsoft has released the latest version of Messenger for OSX. After a long beta period, version 8 finally brings video-chat support to the program, among numerous other enhancements. It is available to download now directly from the Messenger website.
