Word 15

Microsoft is focusing on the reading and writing experience in its word processor application. Word 15 includes a new Read Mode that removes distractions from the user interface, providing easy reading with text that reflows automatically into columns to fit the screen. This new Read Mode also works well with a Resume Reading function that automatically bookmarks the last position in a document. Aside from the reading experience, Microsoft is also including two new additional features to Word — Object Zoom and Expand and Collapse. Object Zoom lets Word 15 users zoom in on pictures and objects by simply double clicking on them, filling the screen with tables, charts, and images. Expand and Collapse is a rather basic feature that gives you a one-click option to hide or reveal paragraphs under their headings. Improved features in the Word 15 reading experience also include some enhancements to the Navigation Pane, smoother scrolling throughout documents, and updates to the Dictionary and Translation feature in Word.

Touch and Read Mode bring useful features to Office 15 for tablet users

Collaboration improvements in Word 15 center on new Track Changes features. A new Reply Comments feature helps users track comments right next to the relevant text. Word 15 users can see who replied and when inline in documents, and a password-protect feature for Track Changes has also been included to ensure the feature stays active. Present Online is also built into Office 15, similar to the PowerPoint 2010 broadcast feature, and lets Word 15 users share a document with others through their browser.

The Touch Mode feature for Word 15 lets users move through documents with their fingers or hands, enlarging the ribbon along the way. Microsoft has also added a PDF reflow feature to Word 15 that lets users open PDF documents, reflowing PDF content as document elements as if they were created in Word. Online videos can also be added to Word 15 documents, allowing readers to watch them within Word. Microsoft's Office Start Experience is improved with Word 15, including a new design tab for access to document design features and an insert online pictures function to add pictures from Facebook, Flickr and other services.