It’s kind of nifty when you get an invite for something typically accessible to the developer community.
Per 9to5Mac, Apple has apparently begun inviting non-developers to the online document editing program. Tipsters have stated that the company asked them to try out the services and send in feedback.
In order to try the new beta, all you have to do is sign in to iCloud on a Mac or a PC using the current version of Safari, Chrome or Internet Explorer. Then just click on Pages, Numbers, or Keynote and you’re off.
Users that have received the invitation don’t need to visit beta.icloud.com – they can just use the regular icloud.com address.
The free status hints at the possibility of iWork for the Mac/iOS going free in the near future. The current version of iLife is included with the purchase of a new Mac, but the iWork apps are sold for US$19.99 in the Mac App Store. Going free would probably reduce the number of Office for Mac purchases, but many argue that it could lead users to expect even more free apps.
If you’ve received the beta invitation or tried iWork for iCloud out and have any feedback to offer, please let us know in the comments.
One reply on “Apple releases iWork for iCloud beta invitations beyond developer community, asks ordinary users for feedback”
So far, it’s great. I use iWork professionally every day and, in my opinion, it all depends on what Apple’s long-term goals are for this:
If it is even going to be considered for a daily (hourly) used tool and change the way people are productive — I need folder/organization on iCloud. Having all files on one ‘dashboard’ gets out-of-hand…fast.
If not, and it’s just supposed to be a quick tool to get me out of a jam on-the-go…then I suppose that’s fine.