Microsoft: New Office also syncs with Windows Phone

Microsoft has released some details of Office for mobile devices. Windows Phone 8 will get a new version of Office, allowing users to pick up on the phone where they left off on the desktop.

Microsoft’s web storage service SkyDrive in Windows Phone 8 not only synchronizes documents, but the software also remembers where the user left off. Office will also get a new interface in Windows Phone 8, although the details are not clear. In addition, there will be web apps that also work on other mobile devices.

Microsoft announced some features of Windows Phone 8 in June, but many other features have not yet been revealed; that won’t happen until the release gets closer. Rumor has it that Windows Phone 8 will be launched along with Windows 8 in the last week of October. Some of the new features include support for multicore processors, 720p displays and micro-SDHC cards. The home screen has been revamped, turn-by-turn navigation and Skype are built in, and there’s a built-in mobile wallet that works via NFC.

Under the hood, the changes are even greater. Instead of the Windows CE kernel, Windows Phone 8 is based on the Windows kernel. In addition, it shares many other elements, such as the multimedia engine with Windows 8. There will also be support for native code for apps and DirectX for games.

Microsoft unveiled a new version of Office Monday evening, which includes a new interface and new synchronization options. Yammer and Skype are also integrated into Office.