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This article was published on July 18, 2013

Microsoft launches SharePoint Newsfeed app for Windows 8, but only for SharePoint 2013 and Office 365 users


Microsoft launches SharePoint Newsfeed app for Windows 8, but only for SharePoint 2013 and Office 365 users

Microsoft today announced the release of SharePoint Newsfeed for Windows 8, which lets you participate in conversations on your company feed or in the SharePoint sites you are following. You can download the new app now directly from the Windows Store.

The app is only available for SharePoint 2013 users and for SharePoint Online users in Office 365. In other words, you need to be using the latest SharePoint to take advantage: “Previous versions of SharePoint are not supported,” Microsoft says.

Here it is in action:

sharepoint_newsfeed_windows_8

Microsoft says the app essentially lets you access your SharePoint social network “while on the go,” which is very interesting. Essentially, the company is saying this app isn’t meant for the desktop: it’s designed for tablets (and laptops) that you’re using when not in the office.

That being said, this fine print is worth noting:

Note: the SharePoint Newsfeed for Windows Store supports SharePoint 2013 on-premises. Connection to SharePoint 2013 on-premises Newsfeed requires you to be within your domain network or to be using a remote technology like Windows Server 2012 DirectAccess.

The full feature list is as follows:

  • Keep up with your colleagues’ latest posts and comments.
  • Filter on a Site Feed.
  • Create new posts to share updates or ask questions.
  • Upload pictures.
  • @mention a colleague using global address lookup.
  • Include #hashtags in your posts.
  • Snap the SharePoint Newsfeed app to the side and multitask.

This app is part of a bigger attempt by Microsoft to bring as much of its software to the Windows Store as possible, even if that means launching multiple “small” apps. Whether people will actually use them, however, remains to be seen.

See also – Claiming 66% enterprise penetration, SharePoint now brings in $2 billion annually for Microsoft and Microsoft will warn Office 365 users one month before automatic upgrade to new SharePoint Online

Top Image Credit: Stephen Brashear/Getty Images

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