Microsoft just announced a new version of PowerPoint for Office 365 that has two amazing new features to help you design presentations like a pro.
PowerPoint for Office 365 finally makes using full-bleed images a breeze. Just insert an image, then select the layout that works for your presentation.
PowerPoint Designer
Design amazing slides with just 2 steps. Choose an image, from the web or your personal files, then choose an appropriate layout. Could this finally be the ticket to getting presenters to use full-bleed designs, easily?
Morph
A bit like Apple Keynote's Magic Move (which has been around for years), Morph will take objects on a series of slides and add seemless, animated transitions. Check out the video below to see what I mean.
Introducing PowerPoint Designer and Morp, two new features that enable anyone to create designer grade slides and cinematic like motion within their presentation.
Of course, it remains to be seen whether the feature will function as smoothly as this short video depicts it. Personally, I think it will take a bit of work behind the slides, so that the software knows what you're trying to do. In fact, this video from the Office 365 YouTube channel specifically mentions having to "hone your PowerPoint skills" to be able to create the transitions between slides.
Much like Magic Move in Apple Keynote, Morph let's you automatically create cinematic motion animation with objects on sequential slides.
What do you think? Are these welcome features? How do you think they'll help you present better? Keep in mind, these features require a monthly subscription to Office 365, and are not available on Mac.