Mac users can now try out new Microsoft Office features early with ‘Office Insider’ program

Microsoft opened up a beta test program for Windows users last November, letting Microsoft Office fanatics get early access to upcoming new features. Microsoft is now rolling out the program to the Mac, so OS X users can (optionally) join the beta program too. For the first round of the beta program, Microsoft will be adding inking and realtime typing / collaboration to PowerPoint. Expect these features in the ‘coming weeks’. More details available here.

To join the OS X Office beta, open the Microsoft Office AutoUpdater app (it comes preinstalled with Word, Excel and PowerPoint). There’s a button to join and you’ll start receiving early access to new features. Microsoft continues to be a good citizen on Apple’s platforms. Yesterday, Office for iOS added 3D Touch, and more Apple Pencil inking features for iPad Pro.