New Microsoft PowerPoint iOS App Supports Remote Control via Apple Watch

Microsoft continues to ignore platform boundaries and focuses on value for consumers. The newest PowerPoint for iOS supports Apple Watch.

Microsoft released a new version of PowerPoint for iPhone and iPad yesterday introducing Apple Watch support. PowerPoint Remote for Apple Watch lets users control their slide show on iPhone with a simple app directly on their wrist. No more running around with a Bluetooth gadget or mouse. Presenters can have their hands free to present and push the next slide with a touch on their wrist.

Microsoft is also in the wrist computer space with the Microsoft Band, but Apple is far ahead with the Apple Watch. When and if Microsoft is introducing a full fledged smartwatch remains to be seen.

The new Microsoft PowerPoint iPhone and iPad app version can be downloaded now in iTunes for free.

Apple has also added remote control functionality on the Apple Watch for Keynote this week. It would have been embarrising for Apple to let Microsoft beat them to the punch with that feature.

The Apple Watch introduces a new design and iOS-based user interface created specifically for a smaller device. Apple Watch features the Digital Crown, a new way to scroll, zoom and navigate fluidly, without obstructing the display. The Digital Crown also serves as the Home button and a quick way to access Siri. The Retina display on Apple Watch features Force Touch, a technology that senses the difference between a tap and a press, providing a new way to access controls within Apple Watch apps.

The Apple Watch introduces the Taptic Engine and a built-in speaker that together discreetly enable an entirely new vocabulary of alerts and notifications you can both hear and feel. Apple custom-designed its own S1 SiP (System in Package) to miniaturize an entire computer architecture onto a single chip. Apple Watch also features Wi-Fi 802.11b/g and Bluetooth 4.0 to pair seamlessly with your iPhone. Besides the smart watch features the Apple Watch keeps time to within 50 milliseconds of UTC, the universal time standard when synching regularly with the iPhone.
The Apple Watch starts at $349 for the small case (38mm) Sport Edition. The Apple Watch Pre-order starts on April 10 in 9 countries (Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the UK and the US) and the Apple Watch ships on April 24.

Read the latest Apple Watch and Apple News.