OfficeFX on a MacBook Pro: Conversation with Mike Wilson

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First, look at this screenshot:

You might find nothing unusual about this screenshot, because it’s just the OfficeFX interface inside Microsoft PowerPoint. And let us not even ask you to look closer or look again because that’s exactly what it appears to be. What’s surprising is what you can’t see!

Here’s a picture that will show you what you should rather see.

Mike Wilson of Instant Effects sent us this screenshot and picture. For the rest of this post, we’ll take this over to Mike.

It may not be obvious, but this is OfficeFX running on a MacBook Pro (with Intel processor and ATI X1600 graphics). The only thing that gives it away is the window style.

To be VERY clear, this is NOT OfficeFX running under MacOS. We did nothing to enable this. It’s done with an Apple utility called BootCamp that allows users to install Windows XP and Windows applications on their Intel-based Mac’s. What I find impressive is that it also allows very Microsoft proprietary layers like DirectX and .NET to run, which in turn enables relatively complex 3D apps like OfficeFX.

Obviously this is a pretty expensive way to go as you have to own both operating systems. The perspective of our users is that for those higher-end types running Mac-based applications like Final Cut Pro for video and DVD creation, it’s a great option to be able to also run their 3D apps like 3D Studio MAX and OfficeFX on the same system.

Don is less amazed than I am about this from a purely technical standpoint. He may have a comment or two. From a business chess board perspective, we both find it an intriguing turn of events.

Thank you, Mike. Don Brittain, referred by Mike in this conversation is also from Instant Effects, the company that creates OfficeFX.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog post or content are those of the authors or the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company.