Microsoft plays on two tables. On the one hand, the firm Microsoft raises 365 prices to its customers’ print. On the other hand, it now offers to use Word, Excel and PowerPoint for free on Windows. Good news? Not without counterparts.
Option to use the office for free, but not without contradiction
From now on, at the beginning of the office application, the “Continue” button allows for access to basic tools, without a license or subscription. The offer is appearance in appearance: the edition of the documents and consultation works without major restrictions.
But Microsoft needs a size obstruction: it is impossible to save a local file. Everything goes through the One Drive. In other words, without internet connection, it is impossible to access your own documents. A skilled way to push consumers into the company’s cloud ecosystem.
Another point to note: Advertising attacks the interface, in the form of a side banner. Microsoft leaves the selection: pass through the pub or go to checkout with Microsoft 365 subscriptions.
Low features, in addition to paying for payment
If this free version allows you to perform existing tasks, it eliminates many modern features. More dynamic cross -paintings in Excel, dynamic images in PowerPoint or layout tools in Word. Macroes, smarts and modern personal powers are also eliminated.
This strategy is missed by the online office, which is accessible to the first browser, but even more with restrictions. The goal is clear: attracting users with a “free” offer, while putting a lot of sticks on the wheel so that they can remove the payment.
Without the official announcement, a test continues
For this moment, not everyone has access to it. See the button for some “Continue Free”, not others. A progressive deployment to measure the reaction before the global launch, even a life -shaped test? Not really Is PC WorldA company representative indicated that he was doing “limited tests” and it was currently not planned to launch ” *free version and was financed through the advertisement of Microsoft Office Office applications. *”
It remains to be seen whether this approach will be presented and appeals to those who seek an alternative to the results of the paid office. Or if they just confirm that many people already think: In Microsoft, nothing is really free.
