REMODELED OFFICE: Microsoft has released a new version of its Office software that will operate differently and be sold differently. The popular bundle of word processing, spreadsheet and email programs features touch-based controls. For the first time, consumers can buy Office as an online subscription service.

TARGET AUDIENCE: Tuesday's release of Office 2013 is aimed at the growing number of people who expect to have their favorite applications at their fingertips wherever there's an Internet connection.

RENTING VS. BUYING: Microsoft Corp. is charging $100 annually for an online subscription that provides access to Office on five Windows devices or Mac computers. The price to install Office on a single machine starts at $140.