Microsoft sneaks out a free desktop-based version of Word, Excel and PowerPoint - then backtracks and says it was just a "test"

Microsoft is testing free versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint desktop apps with ad support and limited functionality. Users must save files to OneDrive and will see banner ads and video ads every few hours. The free apps lack features like Add-ins, Dictate, and advanced formatting. Microsoft says this is only a limited test with no plans for wider release. The move could be related to recent price increases for Microsoft 365 subscriptions.