LibreOffice is finally getting an online version.
WA is a code format that lets executable files like the LibreOffice Apps run inside a web app.
Read on to find out what’s coming, and how to try it for yourself.
During their presentation, developers Jan-Marek Glogowski and Thorsten Behrens announced the demo.
It works in Firefox and Chromium browsers on Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux.
The LibreOffice via WebAssembly project is nicknamed LOWA.
It’s a collaboration between the LibreOffice team and Allotropia.
Allotropia is a consultancy company that specializes in free, open-source software.
How to Use LibreOffice Writer Online
you might try out aprototype of LOWA.
It’s a large chunk of code (300MB), so it may take a moment to load.
Once it’s ready, you’ll see the familiar interface of LibreOffice Writer.
Behrens says they will introduce a more web-standard interface later, but they plan to keep all the features.
Most net web surfer versions of desktop software slim down the options.
If LOWA keeps all its functions, it will become even stronger as afree alternative to Microsoft Office.
Many of the basic features, such as text entry and shapes, are already working.
Basic customization such as theView>Toolbarschoices work at the time of writing, too.
But it is still a prototype, and can’t replace the desktop apps just yet.
Upcoming Features in the LibreOffice internet tool Version
TheFOSDEM presentation slidespromise some useful functions.
Privacy-by-default is especially appealing.
For those who want to encrypt their files, “Here’s your no-data-ever-goes-to-any-server-solution!”
Behrens announced that the internet tool version will run entirely locally.
This means users won’t have to rely on servers at all.
Your web client will do all the heavy lifting.
It could also allow LOWA to work faster than server-based web apps.
Android compatibility is also exciting for private users.
This is a big step toward LibreOffice Mobile Apps.
Until a real app comes, mobile users can load the web client software.
This widget will also support rich text editing.
The project plans to start simulating real user experiences by Summer 2022, so it’s coming along quickly.
It’s a good time to start examining LibreOffice more closely.
