With Windows 8 Release Date Closing In, Microsoft Set to Announce Microsoft Office 15

Microsoft is slated to showcase Microsoft Office 15 as soon as Monday for the first time at an event in San Francisco.

According to reports from the Wall Street Journal, the new software is expected to be compatible with Windows 8. Thevarsguy.com has the software as being compatible with Windows 7 and even the Apple iPad.

Despite the scarcity of features revealed so far, the Wall Street Journal has stated that it will emphasize mobile technology and touch-screen technology.

Earlier this week Microsoft announced that it will buy Perceptibe Pixel, a pioneer of large screen multi-touch technology. Microsoft also emphasized that the new property will be integrated into its Office division.

There is no date or price for Microsoft Office 15 sales, but it is expected to launch close to fall when Windows 8 is slated for release. Microsoft is hoping that the launch of Windows 8 and Office 15 will help lift PC Sales which were down in the second quarter.

Windows 8 is expected to be released in October. The operating system will feature a touch-centric interface that utilizes a series of tiles similar to those found in the Windows Phone. The OS will also feature the traditional Windows desktop and current users of Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 will be able to upgrade to it for just $40. Users who upgrade will also get the pro version instead of the base version and it'll enable users to download the Windows Media Center for no cost. The upgrade offer expires on January 31, 2013.

Windows 8 and Microsoft Office 15 are only two means in which Microsoft has upped the ante over the last few months. A few weeks ago, they announced the Surface tablet to compete with the Google Nexus and Apple iPad. 

RELATED ARTICLES:

Windows 8 Compatible Microsoft Office 13 Features Announced 

Windows 8, OS X Mountain Lion: Release Dates, Features, Price of the Upcoming Microsoft and Apple Software

Microsoft Surface Tablets Announced to Compete with Apple's iPad; No Mention of Barnes and Nobles Partnership 

Microsoft Tablet: The Giant to Announce Tablet in Partnership with Barnes and Nobles

Microsoft Apologizes for Inappropriate Lyrics at Norwegian Developer's Conference (VIDEO)