The last two versions of the Windows 10 preview for phones have been lacking one essential feature: the Office Hub. Microsoft had said that a preview of Universal Office apps would be launching by the end of last month but it now looks like users will need to wait a bit longer.

While many have been excited by the recent releases of the Windows 10 for phones technical preview, the complete lack of office apps and support has put a damper on that for many users. Plus, there’s real interest in seeing what Microsoft has been working on with the Universal Office apps, especially considering how late they’re coming to the company’s own platform.

Unfortunately the company missed its own deadline of shipping these previews before the end of April, though there’s still a bit of good news here. Mary Jo Foley has been talking to one of Microsoft’s representatives, who confirmed the apps would ship “early next week” meaning the launch will be a few days behind schedule.

The Universal Word app

What’s not clear is whether these new Office Universal apps will be released independently through the regular Store or whether they’ll actually be coming alongside a new Windows 10 build. The former seems a bit less likely as all these preview apps on the desktop have been pushed through the new Beta Store, a feature that has yet to show up on phones. The latter seems a bit more likely, especially considering the delay, but that’s only speculation at this point.

In either case we’ll find out soon enough and we’ll be here to bring you all the news and preview goodness.

Source: AllAboutMicrosoft