Microsoft has been quiet about the official North American release date for Office 2013, but according to a report at German tech site WinFuture, a recent Microsoft press release has announced the launch of the software suite for the end of January (via WinBeta). Roughly translated, the article indicates that Microsoft will host a press conference in Hamburg to mark the occasion.
While a foreign release of Office 2013 is far from an unshakable confirmation of a simultaneous U.S. release, the supposed German launch date at least gives us a glimpse into when the company intends to begin rolling out its productivity software. Stay tuned for updates as we near the end of the month.
For Microsoft Office 2013, Microsoft looks to transition most users to a subscription model. Office 365 Home Premium will cost $99.99/year, and Office 365 Small Business Premium will cost $149.99/year. If Office users opt for the traditional licensed offering, Office Home & Student 2013 will be priced at $139.99, Office Home & Business 2013 at $219.99, and Office Professional 2013 at $399.99. Office Small Business Premium offers its suite for $12.50/month and can be used by up to 25 employees. Office 365 University costs either $79.99 for a four-year subscription, or $1.67/month.
Microsoft has further incentivized the new Office with a promotion that encourages any consumer who purchases Microsoft Office 2010 between now and April 30, 2013 to apply for a free upgrade to Microsoft Office 2013 or a one-year subscription to Office 365, the Redmond-based company's cloud service.