Office Insiders on Windows and iOS are getting new updates after Microsoft announced two new releases. This is particularly important for Office Insiders on Windows PCs as it is a long-awaited update for the Fast Ring. On iOS, Microsoft has rolled out version 2.2 of the productivity suite in preview.
Starting with Windows, Microsoft has finally brought a new release to the Fast Ring. As noted last week, we have been in the odd situation of the Slow Ring having higher build number than the Fast Ring.
Microsoft clarified why that is the case. There seems to have been a problem that was stopping Fast Ring release that kept the branch stuck on build 8117.xxxx. Since the issue did not affect the Slow Ring, Microsoft kept sending releases to that branch.
Either way, the company has now fixed the problem and Fast Ring updates have restarted. With Wednesday’s release, Office Insiders are getting build number 8201.2025. This is the same build currently on the Slow Ring, but expect the Fast Ring to resume higher numbers in coming releases.
This update is mostly focused on Outlook and Excel improvements:
- Enhanced data import functionality: Easily import and shape data from various sources. Manage workbook queries and connection with the Queries & Connection side pane, and share queries with others via ODC files.
- Keep the copy: Copy your cells and, before you paste, you can still do other tasks like typing or inserting cells.
- New data transformation: Add Column From Examples: In the Query Editor, create a new column by providing sample values. As you type, Excel detects the required transformations and shows a preview of the new column.
- Improved attachment options: When attaching files to an email, you can more easily select whether to add it as a cloud file or as a traditional attachment.
- Quickly access the groups you use the most: Groups you’re most likely to interact with now appear at the top of the list.
Office Update for iOS Preview
Office Insiders on iOS are now receiving version 2.2 of the app. This is the June monthly update and brings changes to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio.
Arguably the most interesting new addition comes to Word and Excel. Users can now save a document or spreadsheet as a PDF file. Microsoft has also included the ability to open more file types in Excel. Importantly, this includes support for files that contain binary template files.
Elsewhere, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint users can now customize Apple Pencil to either ink or select as a default.
