◄ page1Microsoft has officially unveiled the consumer preview of Office 2013. The new edition has a dramatically different look and feel, as well as tight connections to cloud-based services. Here's what you'll find inside.
Word’s Read mode
In Read mode, Word removes most editing tools and other distractions from the screen and reflows the content into columns. It’s especially effective on a touchscreen device.
Word’s new Design tab
This is one of the few major changes in Ribbon layout between Office 2013 and its predecessor. Commands that were formerly crammed into a single Page Layout tab are now broken into a second Design tab.
Open and reflow a PDF in Word
Word has had the ability to save documents in PDF format for years. This release allows you to open PDF files directly for editing, with paragraph formatting, lists, and headers and footers converting into their Word equivalents.
Simple markup enables easy document reviews
Choosing the Simple Markup option from the Review tab lets you carry on discussions with co-authors of a Word document in these pop-up dialog boxes, which are indicated by simple balloon icons in the margin.
Word 2013 streamlines full-strength markup
Choose the All Markup option to see improvements in the way Word handles revision tracking. In particular, it’s easy to see comments and replies in the margin.
An overview of Excel 2013
The basic building blocks of Excel are unchanged in this version, but the new look makes it easier to concentrate on content. Tab markers at the bottom of the screen are noticeably cleaner.
Excel’s Quick Analysis
Choose a list or a block of numbers and then click Quick Analysis to display the pop-up box of suggestions shown here. You can adjust formatting or choose a chart type, with recommendations based on your selection.
Smarter charts
This dialog box, which appears when you choose the option to insert a chart, is brand new. Note that Excel analyzes the data and tries to suggest a range of appropriate chart types and formatting. Use the second tab if you prefer to choose from the full list of chart types.
Use auto-bookmarks to quickly resume work
Both Word (left) and PowerPoint (right) automatically track and save your editing location. When you return to the document or presentation, even on a different device, this pop-up indicator lets you jump to the spot where you left off.
Use Touch mode for tablets
Every Office 2013 app includes support for Touch mode, which is activated by tapping the bull’s-eye button in the Quick Launch bar along the top of this screen. Touch mode adds a little extra space between navigation elements and Ribbon icons. It’s especially effective in Outlook, where you also get a list of shortcuts to the right of the selected item.
source:zdnet 
