Chrome extension allows viewing of Microsoft Office files

Published June 26, 2013 11:27am

Do you need to view a Microsoft Office document but don't have the productivity suite installed? Google's Chrome browser has you covered.

Google said the feature to open Word, Excel and PowerPoint files is initially available on its Chromebooks, but now extends to Chrome on Windows and Mac.

"In addition to saving you time, the Chrome Office Viewer also protects you from malware delivered via Office files. Just like with web pages and PDFs, we’ve added a specialized sandbox to impede attackers who use compromised Office files to try to steal private information or monitor your activities," software engineer Jelte Liebrand said in a blog post.

Liebrand said the feature is available only on Chrome Beta on Windows or Mac, with the Chrome Office Viewer (Beta) extension installed.

Also, Liebrand pointed out the extension is still in beta.

A separate article on The Next Web added the extension may not be able to stop all Office threats.

"Sandboxes aren’t perfect, and hackers work hard to figure out the best way to jump out of them," it said. —VC, GMA News

Tags: googlechrome, microsoftoffice