Sources claim the search giant Google is set to roll out a true alternative to the Microsoft Office productivity suite. Google already offers a number of apps, both within its Google apps suite as part of the Chrome browser and within its Google Play app store for smartphones and tablets. However, until now their functionality has been limited. Most notably, though compatible with .doc files, they haven't worked with .docx files, the current Word format. However, that is set to change.

Sources claim the search giant Google is set to roll out a true alternative to the Microsoft Office productivity suite. Google already offers a number of apps, both within its Google apps suite as part of the Chrome browser and within its Google Play app store for smartphones and tablets. However, until now their functionality has been limited. Most notably, though compatible with .doc files, they haven't worked with .docx files, the current Word format. However, that is set to change.

Both Nintendo and Microsoft were conspicuous in their absence from the 2012 edition of Gamescom, the world's largest video games expo, but both will be returning to Cologne in 2013. Skipping out in 2012 had given more prominent platform time to Sony in its promotion of the PlayStation 3, portable Vita, and growing roster of innovative, exclusive, or indie-flavored games.

Both Nintendo and Microsoft were conspicuous in their absence from the 2012 edition of Gamescom, the world's largest video games expo, but both will be returning to Cologne in 2013. Skipping out in 2012 had given more prominent platform time to Sony in its promotion of the PlayStation 3, portable Vita, and growing roster of innovative, exclusive, or indie-flavored games.