New Viewer?

[Sharon]

Does anyone know if Microsoft intends on releasing a new Mac PowerPoint
viewer? I am hopeful that since Microsoft just released a new Mac version of
PowerPoint, they will also release a new viewer. I am creating a reading
program for children in Windows PowerPoint 2003, and Mac users will not be
able to view it unless they buy the new PowerPoint.

Sharon

 

[Mickey Stevens]

Does anyone know if Microsoft intends on releasing a new Mac PowerPoint
viewer? I am hopeful that since Microsoft just released a new Mac version of
PowerPoint, they will also release a new viewer.

I don't know of any such plans. If they do have any plans for one, they've
kept rather quiet about it. Anyway, I agree that there should be a new
viewer for OS X. Be sure to send feedback to the PowerPoint team regarding
the need for an updated viewer. Click on this direct link to enter Mac
Product Feedback:

I am creating a reading
program for children in Windows PowerPoint 2003, and Mac users will not be
able to view it unless they buy the new PowerPoint.

Because all versions of PowerPoint 97 and later use the same file format,
one should be able to open presentations created in a different version,
though some features might not work properly (like complex animations,
multiple masters, transparency, shadows, etc.).

 

[David M. Marcovitz]

You can create presentations in PowerPoint 2003 to be viewed using the
Mac Viewer. You just have to restrict yourself to features that work in
the older versions. The main thing that is new is the way animation is
done. You can set your options to limit yourself so you don't use new
features. The file format is the same, so the 98 Viewer should be able
to read presentations created in 2003.
--David

David M. Marcovitz, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Programs in Educational Technology
Loyola College in Maryland
Author of _Powerful PowerPoint for Educators_
http://www.loyola.edu/education/PowerfulPowerPoint/

 

[Sharon]

Thanks for the suggestions. I have already written to Microsoft.

I understand that I can restrict the features I use, but then what is the
point of owning a current version of PPT?

Sharon

 

[Jim Gordon MVP]

Hi Sharon,

Given the huge number of new features, I think a more appropriate question
is, "What is the point of owning an old version of PowerPoint?"

-Jim
--
Jim Gordon
Mac MVP

MVPs are not Microsoft Employees
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