Now that Microsoft has finally released Office for iPad like we expected, it is ready to release some improvements for Office Online. After making the transition from Office Web Apps to Office Online earlier this year, Microsoft's answer to Google Docs has now made its way to the Chrome Web Store.
A post on the Office blog said the team has been hard at work finalizing several features for Office Online that are already rolling out. Along with availability on the Chrome Web Store, Word Online, PowerPoint Online and OneNote Online can be launched from the Chrome browser's app launcher and through Chrome OS desktop shortcuts now. The post said to expect to see Excel Online in the Chrome web store "shortly."
The apps themselves are also seeing enhancements with this update. Excel Online gets an improved comments system with the ability to add new comments, or edit and delete existing ones. Additionally, in Excel Online you can now open and edit VBA-enabled spreadsheets without the worry of corrupting the file.
Word Online gets improved footnotes with ability to add them inline and a more intelligent lists functionality that mimics what we are used to from the desktop app. Along with some performance and video playback optimizations, PowerPoint Online now shows a much more finalized and accurate preview of your work, and OneNote Online now has full printing support. While not overly significant enhancements, it appears Microsoft is fully embracing the Chrome platform and is trying everything it can to keep its web apps on par with the desktop counterparts where applicable.