When it comes to smartphones, the design and user interface make portrait-oriented apps ideal for most users. For instance, the popular app i.e., TikTok has adopted a portrait-only app view — just like PowerPoint’s mobile application. With this in mind, Microsoft has decided to introduce a similar version of its PowerPoint mobile app with a vertically scrolling slideshow presentation.
As of now, the Portrait mode is only available on select devices such as iPhones and iPads. The update is only available for Microsoft’s Office Insider program participants at the moment and there have been no definite timeframes announced for its release in other Android devices. According to Microsoft, this decision was made because mobile-first content creation has become a trending phenomenon.
Microsoft is testing the new portrait mode of Office, and many early adopters have had a positive experience with the feature. For office users who are participating in the Office Insider program, this updated feature could provide benefits to your presentations. Simply have PowerPoint version 2.68 (Build 22112003) or newer when you’ll be able to use the new photo-based layout.
As of the design preference in the Home tab, users can choose the preferred orientation i.e., Portrait or Landscape. This is certainly beneficial when producing presentations on smartphones. Now, it is to be observed whether Google Slides follow a similar pattern or not. Since there equally adept tablet apps as well.
When mobile view is coming first, it’s no longer a problem. Other sites and apps like video conference apps will be able to provide users with the best possible experience. It’s just a matter of brands following the pattern and providing consumers with what they want.
The next challenge for Microsoft would be to design some fancy templates that take into consideration their adaptability to both orientations. Though the approach is quite active and attractive, when we think of how users might react, it’s still a little uncertain as to what the outcome will be.
