Microsoft has released a free preview version of Office 2016 for Mac. The fully-functional preview software software is available for download. According to Microsoft, users of the preview will "receive regular updates automatically until the official release in the second half of 2015." The suite boasts a redesigned ribbon that includes "your favorite cross-platform features and keyboard shortcuts," as well as additional features for Word, Powerpoint, Excel, One Note, and Outlook.

Some of the additional features include:

• Word - A new Design tab provides quick access to features and a new Format Object task pane gives you complete control over pictures, shapes, and effects.
• Powerpoint - New slide transitions, an improved Animations task pane, and an improved coauthoring experience, including threaded comments alongside your slides and the ability to visually compare version conflicts and confidently choose the right one to keep.
• Excel - A more consistent cross-platform experience, including keyboard shortcuts and many other functions familiar to Windows users. 
• Outlook - Online Archive support, category list sync, weather in calendar, apps for Office, and side-by-side calendar.