Microsoft has released a major update for Office with new features that show the company’s effort to adapt to shifts in how people use computers and software.
The updated versions of Microsoft’s popular word-processing, spreadsheet and email programs are heavy on collaboration tools that let people share information and work together online. The new Office catches up to a rival package from Google in some respects.
Microsoft is nudging customers to buy the new Office 2016 as part of an online subscription service, known as Office 365, instead of a one-time purchase.
It’s the first major Office update for Windows computers since 2013. In recent months, Microsoft has released a series of new Office apps for iPhones, iPads and Android devices, as well as Mac computers.
