Microsoft has expanded the beta testing of Microsoft Office for Android to anyone with a compatible device. Not just the approved beta testers.
But there’s a catch … you need a compatible Android device and not all Android tablets will qualify.
Office for Android needs:
- An ARM based device (most are, but not all). Intel chip based devices are not supported.
- Running KitKat (4.4.x) or Lollipop (5.x) versions of Android. No Jellybean (4.1-4.3) or earlier.
- Screen size between 7″ and 10.1″
The screen size is strictly enforced. If you have, say, the Samsung Tab S 10.5″ then you’re out of luck. Even a 10.2″ device is outside Microsoft’s seemingly arbitrary limit.
At least Office for Android now supports the latest version of the Android operating system (Lollipop). It seems unlikely that earlier Android releases than ‘KitKat’ will be supported.
There may be other exclusions. For example the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 7.0″ device isn’t compatible for ‘performance’ reasons.
Compatible?
The easiest way to find out if your device is compatible is to try and install Office for Android. The Google Play store will let you install an app only if your device is compatible and there’s no harm in trying.
Use these links to get the preview apps – Word, Excel and PowerPoint . If you can’t see an install option then your device isn’t compatible. Sadly Google Play won’t explain the reason.
The expansion of the beta has been done so Microsoft can get more information and bug reports from the wide variety of Android devices and OS variations out there. What they do with those reports is another matter, as Office beta testers know to their long-running frustration.
