What you need to know

  • Office Online is being renamed to, simply, "Office."
  • The rebranding effort comes as Microsoft is trying to simplify the Office brand across platforms.
  • Microsoft says it will use terms like "Office for the web" when referring to apps you access from a browser, much like it already does for "Office for Mac" and "Office for Windows."

Microsoft is gearing up to give Office Online a new moniker: Office. It's far from a revolutionary change, to be sure, but Microsoft says in a blog post that it's meant to bring the web apps in line with the naming scheme it uses across other platforms.

"Office uses sub-brands to denote our offerings such as Office 365 and Office 2019. Because our offerings have evolved to provide access to apps on more than one platform, it no longer makes sense to use any platform-specific sub-brands," Microsoft said in a blog post announcing the change. Going forward, the Office web apps may be referred to as "Office for the web," which lines up with the way Microsoft refers to Office apps on other platforms when describing new features and functionality. Because Office for the web is not a strict brand name, Microsoft says you may also see the web apps referred to as "Office on the web" or "Office.com."

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Importantly, there will be no change to the naming conventions for Microsoft's online server products. Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Project Online, and Office Online Server will continue to carry the "Online" moniker.

"This name change reflects Microsoft's commitment to providing first-rate experiences on each of its supported platforms and devices," Microsoft says.

The name change has already gone into effect across marketing, technical communications, and in products, and should be rolled out broadly soon.

Portable (and affordable) power accessories we love

Each and every one of these charging gadgets will keep your favorite gear and gadgets going for longer, and none of them costs more than $30.

VisionTek 8,000 mAh micro-USB power bank ($13 at Dell)

This compact dual-output powerbank can speedily recharge any and all your devices, thanks to a two-amp "fast charge feature," using its micro-USB out port. Its simple design includes an LED indicator, and it costs about as much as a single ticket to the movies.

Panasonic eneloop AA batteries (From $13 at Dell)

Panasonic's rechargeable batteries are among the best available, and just a couple of them will keep your favorite remote, mice or other peripherals powered up when you need them. They're also eco. And the company's affordable charger fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.

Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($30 at Dell)

This unobtrusive Qi wireless charging pad looks good (and kind of like a UFO …) and easily charges all your Qi-compatible device up to 5W. Its LED indicator lights up when you're charging. And it costs just $30.

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