The new version of Microsoft 365 desktop apps will be free to use but come with ads, which Microsoft is working on. In their case, users can use the most frequently used programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint without a subscription fee. They will, however, have advertisements in the apps.
This change will come in handy for many people who need these tools but wouldn’t mind not paying for a subscription. But, it also has questions about what effect ads will have on the user’s experience.
Why is Microsoft Doing This?
At present, Microsoft 365 is purchased with a paid subscription. But, as not everybody can afford it, a lot of people find a way to Google Docs, which offers similar features and is free. To compete, Microsoft is testing the release of free versions of its desktop apps with ads.
With this approach, Microsoft wants to gain more users. Microsoft 365 for free may now be available for people who previously could not afford the product, while Microsoft keeps both revenue, as it is, and new revenue from ads.
How Will the Ad-Supported Version Work?
Yet, the company has not revealed all the information as of now:
- Around, all that means ads will start appearing on the inside of Microsoft 365 desktop apps.
- The ads, whether in the form of banners, popups, or e-mails within documents, can be viewed.
- It’s free to use apps, but the users can occasionally see ads while working on the file.
- The premium version of Microsoft 365, which the user can subscribe to, may provide an option to remove ads.
What Are the Pros and Cons?
However, as it is an ad-supported Microsoft 365 feature, it has its advantages and disadvantages like with any new feature.
Pros of the Free Version:
- Accessibility of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to everyone who doesn’t have the means of a subscription.
- More people will have access to Microsoft’s quality of productivity tools.
- This will help Microsoft compete with free applications such as Google Docs.
Cons of the Free Version:
- Distraction and disruption of workflow could happen because of ads.
- Privacy fears should be raised if Microsoft collects user data to show personalized ads.
- Push users will be limited to some features to motivate them to upgrade to the paid version.
- Too frequent ads could frustrate users if the ads are placed too often.
Whether Microsoft implements the ads will determine the success of this version. But if they are subtle and not too disruptive, users would accept them. Ultimately, people may start bypassing ads and go for an option like Google Docs if the ads are affecting work.
When Will It Be Available?
At the moment, Microsoft is testing this free release with a select crowd. It is still due to have no official release date. If the test proves successful, it may bring this to more people. But they will surely take feedback and make their adjustments before launching it for everyone.
Microsoft has updates on this version if you’re interested in trying it out. The ad-supported version of Microsoft 365 will be available soon depending on how users respond.
Conclusion
Microsoft testing the free version of Microsoft 365 with ads might be a game changer for students, freelancers, and many other people, who need the office tools but don’t want to pay a subscription. Nevertheless, some users may be annoyed with the presence of ads. The question here is whether Microsoft can strike the right basis between being free and not being too annoyed by ads.
