Microsoft Office 2013 Release Date News: Office Mobile Set to Launch in Early 2013

Microsoft Office will launch on iOS and Android devices in early 2013, according to "several sources" that spoke to The Verge.

The Office Mobile app is free of charge and allows users to read their documents on the go. However, editing capabilities are absent from software unless consumers purchase an Office 365 subscription.

Verge editor Tom Warrn explains, "Microsoft will allow iOS users to purchase an Office 365 subscription, or let organizations distribute codes to enable Office Mobile editing for users. The apps will allow for basic editing, but we're told this won't go very far in attempting to replace regular full use of a desktop Office version."

For Microsoft Office 2013's desktop suites, the Redmond tech giant 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.

No official release date has been revealed, but Microsoft's corporate vice president of the Office Division Kris Koenigsbauer promises a launch during the first fiscal quarter of 2013, which falls between October 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012.