There's a pretty basic version of Microsoft Office available for Android in the Play Store, but you won't have much luck trying to install that on anything much larger than a Galaxy Note or Nexus 6. For tablets, the company has something different in the works, and it's now ready to give out tastes to Android users who are eager enough to sign up and get in line.

This comes as Microsoft is touting the ability to use Office on every device. The software giant is pushing updated Word, Excel, and PowerPoint apps to the iPhone. It also has touch-optimized versions on the way for Windows 10.

But those versions aren't what we care about here. Matter matters is that this looks like the piece of software you're going to want to grab if you genuinely want to take advantage of an Office 365 subscription from an Android device. The extra screen space allows for a UI that looks similar to what users have grown accustomed to on desktops, and Microsoft is making sure this version of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint comes with more than just the essentials.

For people who don't sign up, Office is officially scheduled to come to Android tablets in early 2015.

Microsoft brings Office to everyone, everywhere

REDMOND, Wash. — Nov. 6, 2014 — On Thursday, Microsoft Corp. took the next step to bring the productivity of Office to everyone with new Office apps and experiences for the iPhone and iPad, a preview of Office apps for Android tablets, and the ability for customers using these devices to create and edit Office content without a subscription.

“Anytime someone has an idea or an inspiration, we want to empower them to take action,” said John Case, corporate vice president, Office, Microsoft. “With over a billion Office customers worldwide, and over 40 million downloads on the iPad, it’s clear that Office applications are what people want to use to get things done.”

Starting today, iPhone and Android tablet customers can tap into the same experience that people with Office for iPad have enjoyed. Now, nearly everyone will be able to get more done, more quickly. Here are the details of the news:

  • New Office for iPhone apps for Word, Excel and PowerPoint offer the same beautiful iPad experience, optimized for the iPhone. Customers can download the new apps today.
  • Updated Office for iPad apps for Word, Excel and PowerPoint . Customers can download the new apps today.
  • Preview of Office apps for Android tablet brings the productivity of Word, Excel and PowerPoint to Android tablet customers. Customers can sign up for the Preview starting today. General availability is expected in early 2015.
  • More of Office for everyone. Beginning today, customers on iPhone, iPad and Android can create and edit Office content without a subscription. Now customers on nearly every mobile device and platform can do more with Office.

The company also presented an expanded look at the new “touch-optimized” Office for Windows 10. Additional details will be shared at a later date.

Complete functionality with Office 365

Customers get the best value and a complete set of features from an Office 365 subscription, including 1 terabyte of OneDrive online storage — with unlimited storage on the way. By subscribing, customers join a community of over 7.1 million active Office 365 Home and Office 365 Personal subscribers and unlock the full productivity power of Office on every device they have.

Availability

The new Office for iPad and Office for iPhone apps are available in 29 languages and 136 countries. The apps require an iPad or iPhone running iOS 7.0 or later. The Office for Android tablet preview is available for sign-up beginning today.

More information about Thursday’s news can be found on the Official Microsoft blog.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services, devices and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.