computers_web.jpgSAN FRANCISCO – Microsoft has released a retooled version of its Office software in an effort to extend one of the company’s most important franchises beyond personal computers.

The debut comes six months after Microsoft previewed the new-look Office, which includes popular word processing, spreadsheets and email programs.

The revamped Office boasts touch controls, just like the redesigned version of the Windows operating system that Microsoft Corp. announced three months ago.

The Redmond, Wash., company is trying to ensure its products remain relevant as people increasingly rely on smartphones and tablet computers instead of PCs.

Microsoft is offering Office 2013 in a $100 annual subscription package.

That includes online access on up to five Windows devices or Mac computers. The one-time price to install Microsoft Office 2013 on a single machine starts at $140.

Apple unveils iPad with more memory

CUPERTINO, Calif. – Apple says it will sell an iPad with more memory than the current models available.

The company said Tuesday that the new, full-size model comes with 128 gigabytes of memory, up from 64 gigabytes.
Nothing else has changed, so it will remain a fourth-generation iPad, which went on sale in November.

The memory increase does not apply to the iPad Mini, which also went on sale in November. The new iPad will go on sale in the U.S. on Feb. 5 for $799 for a Wi-Fi model and $929 with cellular data access as well.