Microsoft is rolling out new Universal Office applications as part of the company's technical preview of Windows 10. The latest versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are accessible in the new Windows Store Beta, starting today.

The most recently updated Office apps can be downloaded on PCs, laptops, and tablets running the Windows 10 technical preview, according to a Microsoft blog. The company expects to broaden its preview to include phones and tablets running Windows 10 "in coming weeks."

Microsoft announced its plan to launch Universal Apps as part of its Jan. 21 Windows 10 press event. These apps will run on Windows 10 and maintain consistent performance across a range of devices including phones, PCs, and tablets.

The Office suite is optimized for touchscreen and mobile devices, and will be pre-installed for free on Windows 10 smartphones and small tablets. Universal apps will also be available for download in the Windows Store for other devices.

The new Office for Windows 10, which is expected to launch in full later this year, will include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. Microsoft's technical preview for the desktop version of Windows 10 debuted late last month, and the mobile preview is expected to launch later in February.

InformationWeek