Microsoft has officially pushed Microsoft Office 2016 to RTM and (released to manufacturing) and made it available for worldwide release on September 22nd, 2015. Microsoft Office is the world’s most popular productivity suite especially among businesses and corporations. Office 2016 brings new versions of desktop apps for Windows including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote and Access.

Office 2016 does not bring major changes in term of graphical user interface (GUI) and features, except several functions that matter to power users. However, it does improve greatly on the cloud and collaboration features, especially on real-time co-authoring where members of the team can see live edits made on the same document. In addition, with Office 2016, Microsoft also tries harder to shift more users from buying traditional perpetual software licenses to paying annual subscriptions.

Office 2016 RTM has the build version number of 16.0.4266.1001. This version is for Windows desktop. Microsoft Office 2016 for Mac was released in July 2015.

Features Enhancements in Microsoft Office 2016:

  • Co-authoring is now provided in Word, PowerPoint and OneNote desktop software, including real-time typing in Word that lets you see others’ edits as they make them.
  • Skype in-app integration across the rich client apps allows you to IM, screen share, talk or video chat right in your docs.
  • Office 365 Groups are now an integrated part of the Outlook 2016 client app and available on your favorite mobile device through the Outlook Groups app, delivering a consistent team experience across the suite.
  • Office 365 Planner helps teams organize their work, with the ability to create new plans, organize and assign tasks, set due dates, and update status with visual dashboards and email notifications.
  • New updates to OneDrive for Business including a new sync client for Windows and Mac, which will deliver selective sync and enhanced reliability. Updates also include increased file size and volume limits per user, a new user interface in the browser, mobile enhancements, and new IT and developer features.
  • GigJam allows teams to accomplish tasks and transform business processes by breaking down the barriers between devices, apps and people.
  • Outlook 2016 provides the smartest inbox yet, with lightning-fast search and automatic removal of low-priority mail. Everyone on the To: line has the right access to documents with modern, cloud-based attachments.
  • Tell Me helps you quickly find the right Office feature or command, and Smart Lookup brings insights from the Web right into your documents.
  • Excel 2016 now includes integrated publishing to Power BI and new modern chart types to help you make the most of your data.
  • The most recently used documents list allows you to pick up right where you left off, traveling with you across your devices, whether you are working in Office Online, in the Office Mobile apps or in the Office 2016 desktop apps.
  • Built-in Data Loss Prevention across Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook significantly reduces the risk of leaking sensitive data, giving IT administrators tools to manage content authoring and document sharing policies.
  • Multifactor authentication ensures secured access to content anywhere when you’re away from the corporate network.
  • Enterprise Data Protection will be available for the Office Mobile apps for Windows 10 later this year and for the desktop apps early next year, enabling secured content sharing within corporate boundaries.

Microsoft Office 2016 apps are available in 40 languages and require Windows 7 or later.

Office 2016 is now available for purchase as one-time purchase standalone license or through Office 365 subscription license. Perpetual licenses is available via various retail channels such as Microsoft Store, where the software can come in DVD disc or digital download. In addition, Office 2016 is also available for free upgrade to Office 365 subscribers whose subscription plan includes desktop software. Office 2016 is also available for free downloads with free product keys for subscribers of MSDN and Action Pack.

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