Microsoft might be in denial, but the Daily sure thinks it saw the Office iPad App [updated]

Seth Weintraub | Feb 21 2012 - 1:53 pm PT

Update: And one more:

[tweet https://twitter.com/MSFTnews/status/172098558017810432]

Microsoft attempted to kibosh the news surrounding its Microsoft Office app for the iPad started by The Daily earlier today. It told The New York Times:

“The Daily story is based on inaccurate rumors and speculation. We have no further comment.”

It also told Mary Jo Foley of ZDNet:

A Microsoft spokesperson said the screen shot accompanying The Daily’s story is not a picture of a real Microsoft software product. But the spokesperson also said Microsoft is declining to comment as to whether or not the company has developed a version of Office for the iPad and/or when such a product may come to market.

She later added this communication from Hickey:

“Right now, someone with a mid-level job at Microsoft is being yelled at. To that person: I’m sorry, I owe you a beer. But say it however you want to, we both know that Office for iPad is on its way. And if it’s as cool as the version I’ve seen, you’ve got a winner.”

A Microsoft employee released a third statement to the MacObserver:

Danell Arvberger, Sr. Category Manager – Office for Mac, said, “Interesting, this is the first I’ve heard of it. Thanks for sharing the article. If I find anything out and able to share I will let you know.”

It sounds like Microsoft is doing a non-denial denial. But wait, Hickey has more:

Peter Ha responded to Mary Jo Foley that not only is the above screenshot from the Microsoft Office iPad app, but it was shown to them by someone at Microsoft.

[tweet https://twitter.com/ThePeterHa/status/172062951447072768]

What’s going on here? Any takers?