Microsoft upgrades PowerPoint features

Maloney further elaborated that when an image is inserted by users into their PowerPoint presentation, the “Designer” feature – which is somewhat like a real-time template – automatically brings up a sidebar on the right-hand side of the PowerPoint window, showing several different design ideas. Microsoft aims to change that, and has introduced two new tools as part of its effort: Morph and Designer. Microsoft is also launching a new Office Insider program, which, much like its Windows Insider program, offers enthusiasts an early look at new Office features for Windows. Microsoft is also planning to add automatic color options in the future, to pick out the prominent colors from an image and adjust the slide style accordingly. This was built in collaboration with professional graphic designers who helped create 12,000 blueprints.

PowerPoint Designer helps you create high quality, professional-looking slides. “So right there, that’s like 150 clicks, and all you have to do is try them on, see what you like, and then just be on your way”. When PowerPoint loses its network connection, any existing slides touched by Designer can still be manipulated and edited, but the software won’t suggest designs for new slides. The new set of transitions are in keeping with today’s trends, meaning the change from one slide to another will no longer have flashy elements and will be subtle instead.

Morph seeks to work a similar magic for transitions. This, according to Microsoft, allows users to spend less time thinking about how to produce “high quality designs” and more time to prepare for the presentation proper. Users who already have PowerPoint 2016 and subscribe to Office 365 can join the Office Insider program to get the ability to test the new feature within almost one week. Coupled with a recommendation feature powered by the cloud, it will allow users to get the maximize efficiency in Office.

Nevertheless, the move ties into Microsoft’s plans to update its Office apps on a monthly basis.

At the launch of their Office Insider Program, developers have explained how Microsoft upped their PowerPoint 2016 software. Office 365 Home, Personal and University users can sign up for the new program, which gives them early access to the latest features across all Office applications. After that, Microsoft will roll new features out to Insiders as the company decides they’re ready.

Enterprise users are going to have a slightly different experience. Current Branch users whose organizations are on the Current Branch for Business will have to wait a few months for an update.