Microsoft is testing an ad-supported free tier for the Microsoft 365 Copilot or Workplace apps. Sometimes, these apps are solely accessible to those that buy the Microsoft 365 subscription. Nonetheless, some customers are actually seeing an choice to go for a free model that gives restricted options and advertisements. At present, the Redmond-based tech large is barely providing three apps, Phrase, Excel, and PowerPoint on this tier. As per a report, the corporate is just not seeking to launch this new tier, and is barely conducting a restricted check in some areas.
Microsoft Gives Advert-Supported Free Model of Workplace Apps to Some Customers
Devices 360 workers members noticed this free, ad-supported tier of Microsoft 365 on their PCs on Monday. The plan seems when a person clicks on the “Purchase Microsoft 365” button positioned on high of the Workplace apps. Normally, this opens a pop-up window that exhibits the completely different subscription plans. Nonetheless, presently, a “Attempt Microsoft 365 without cost” message seems, displaying the free tier.
The ad-supported, free tier of Microsoft 365
Usually, as soon as the Workplace license expires, customers can nonetheless use apps to view paperwork, however they can’t edit and create new paperwork except they buy a subscription. Nonetheless, now, the free tier is providing three apps — Phrase, Excel, and PowerPoint — without cost. The pop-up highlights that customers can entry restricted options in these apps, will probably be proven advertisements, and can get 5G of cloud storage, which will probably be powered by OneDrive.
First reported by Beebom, the ad-supported tier exhibits a persistent advert banner on the appropriate aspect of the app interface, which can’t be eliminated. Moreover, Microsoft is reportedly additionally enjoying a muted 15-second video advert each few hours.
The publication acknowledged that the free tier doesn’t enable customers to avoid wasting paperwork regionally, and solely cloud storage can be utilized. Some superior options are additionally stated to be greyed out within the free tier corresponding to putting in add-ins, including watermarks, or analysing information.
“Microsoft has been conducting some restricted testing. At present, there are not any plans to launch a free, ad-supported model of Microsoft Workplace desktop apps,” a Microsoft spokesperson informed PCWorld in a statement. It seems that India is perhaps a part of this restricted testing area. Different areas are presently not identified.
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