As we already know, the Surface RT runs the Windows RT operating system, which only works with Windows applications and not with older Windows-related software. Therefore, a solution was needed to offer Office 2013. The solution was the Office RT application , which was thought to be unavailable in time for the official launch of the tablets with this operating system on October 26th, meaning buyers would have to wait until early November. Well, it seems that Microsoft has gotten its act together and it will be available from the start.
Until now, the application had a watermark that said Preview on the initial screen and also a golden rectangle at the top of the screen that said that the application was a preview, that is, that it was in the sample phase. Well, these titles have disappeared and an operational version has already been made. The update process has already started and is about 580 MB. This means that American consumers who will receive their Surface RT on October 26 will already have this app pre-installed and updated. Obviously also all those consumers who buy tablets with Windows RT.
Office RT includes programs like Word , Excel , PowerPoint , and OneNote . The differences between this app and Microsoft Office 2013 are almost imperceptible. This seems like a good thing, but from what we saw at IFA, the app's adaptation to touch controls still needed improvement, and hopefully, it has been addressed in this area as well.
As we already reported, pre-orders for the Surface RT have begun, as well as for other tablets with this operating system. The results seem to be quite positive so far, with the cheapest version of the Microsoft tablet selling out , and this news could further boost sales before October 26th. For the Surface Pro, and a full version of Microsoft Office 2013, we'll have to wait a little longer, until November or even December.
Source: Slashgear