Microsoft touts Office subscription plan

Microsoft is planning a subscription-based Office bundle

Microsoft has unveiled a new subscription service for Office aimed at consumers.

The Equipt offering will combine the Student versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote in a single package.

The bundle will also include Microsoft's OneCare security suite, along with a range of Windows Live web services, including webmail, IM and photo hosting.

Users will pay $69.99 for a 12-month subscription, which includes free updates to all applications. Each subscription will include licences for up to three computers.

Microsoft hopes to roll out the service by the middle of July in the US. The package will initially be available through US electronics retailer Circuit City, which runs some 700 stores nationwide.

"We are improving our customers' computing experience with essential software in a package that offers easy install and setup, and a convenient and affordable way to stay updated," said Bryson Gordon, group product manager for Office at Microsoft.