If you use the Microsoft Office Android apps on your Chromebook, then you may receive a message warning you to use the Office website for all your documents, slideshows, and spreadsheets. That’s because Microsoft plans to end Chromebook support for its Office Android apps on September 18th.
Once Microsoft kills Chromebook support for its Office Android apps, Chromebook users will have no option but to use the Office web apps. These web apps work do not require an internet connection (once you’re logged in, that is), and you can pin them to your Chrome OS app launcher with a few easy steps.
.@KevinCTofel, Following your advice I deleted @Microsoft #Word/#Excel/#PowerPoint #Android apps from my #Chromebook when it warned me that I shouldn’t use them and installed the @Office app instead. Got the same error. Now I am thinking this is really bad news. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/nb1xAiuEJJ
— Levente Littvay (@littvay) August 24, 2021
Why would Microsoft end Chromebook support for its Office Android apps? The company hasn’t stated its intentions, but it’s probably just trying to simplify its workload. Ensuring that Office Android apps work on Chrome OS requires testing and debugging, a process that could take a lot of time and delay important updates. Because the Office web apps work fine on Chrome OS, why even bother with the Android apps?
To be clear, Microsoft will continue to support and update the Office Android apps for phones and tablets. And if you already have the Office Android app on your Chromebook (or download an old APK), it may continue to work for some time (there’s no guarantees here). But I suggest getting used to the Office web app, as it will receive continued support and updates. If that’s a bit daunting for you, check out our guide on Chrome OS web apps over at How-To Geek.
Source: Microsoft via Android Police
