CloudOn, a free iPad productivity tool that offers a cloud-hosted version of Microsoft Office has updated to version 2.0.3, adding support for cloud storage service Box as well as Dropbox. The company has also expanded the number of supported file types by integrating a PDF reader and file viewer that opens almost any file type, and have also built in e-mailing files to colleagues. The program relies on services like Dropbox and Box to handle file management.
CloudOn, which has so far avoided the licensing issues that have plagued competitor OnLive recently, offers users with a continuous internet connection the ability to work in Microsoft Office apps without connecting to a remote desktop. The program employs customized controls to make using Office workable in a touch-interface environment, and the new version also offers updates to the Edit menu and user interface.
Additionally, the update makes it easier for users to log out. The program also auto-saves documents, since any loss of internet connectivity disconnects the user from the program’s services. The developers say they plan to add support for additional cloud-storage services in future versions. CloudOn itself is free and requires an iPad running iOS 4.2 or higher.
