Microsoft Drops Service Pack 2 for Mac Office

Today, Microsoft released Service Pack 2 for Office 2008. This update brings several improvements and fixes to the office suite, including improved speed and stability to Word and Excel, new features in PowerPoint and improvements when connecting to SharePoint servers.

According to Microsoft: “There’s never been a better time to try Office 2008 for Mac — with SP2 we are not only delivering on top customer requests midcycle, but also taking a first step in bringing Microsoft software plus services to Mac users,” said Mike Tedesco, senior product manager for MacBU at Microsoft. “This connection unlocks the door for Mac users to Microsoft services for easier collaboration and file sharing with colleagues, customers and classmates.”

Here’s a brief summary of the highlights:

• PowerPoint 2008: Custom Path Animation, which adds the ability to author motion-path animations and Default Theme, which lets users define their default theme, including fonts, color scheme and slide layouts.

• Word 2008, Excel 2008: Increased speed (particularly when launching and scrolling).

• Expanded Mac browser support in Microsoft Office Live Workspace to include Safari 4.

• Microsoft Document Connection. Document Connection is a new application that improves the SharePoint experience for Mac users, allowing for easier collaboration within a SharePoint environment by simplifying how users can browse, access and manage files online and offline.

For a complete lists of changes, go here. To get the update, run Microsoft AutoUpdate on your Mac or go to the Microsoft Mac Downloads page. It’s there now so go get it!