Microsoft has posted first official preview video of Office for Mac 2011, highlighting many of the new features that will be coming in next Office update. The video shows Ribbon interface, which is based on Windows Office 2007, but with standard Mac toolbar. Users can hide both the toolbar and the Ribbon to get more workspace. However, Microsoft says that Ribbon increases the work speed by offering access to most used features faster.

Microsoft also shows Outlook for Mac that will replace the much-hated Entourage mail application found on previous versions of Office for Mac. Microsoft says, Outlook for Mac will be on par with Windows counterpart, and will add features like improved conversation view, new database supporting Spotlight search and Time Machine backup support.

The new template gallery on Office 2011 not only offers more choices to start with, but also offers access to additional content via Internet. It is expected that Microsoft will launch Office for Mac 2011 by end of this year, but no official date has yet been announced.