Microsoft Office for iOS and Android spotted in the wild, to be released in early 2013

According to a report by The Verge , they have spotted what is believed to be previews of Microsoft Office for iOS and Android.  The Verge has learned through several sources close to Microsoft’s plans that the company will release Office versions for Android and iOS in early 2013. Below are some of the screenshots from the rumored release.

The report adds that “Office Mobile will debut in the form of free apps that allow Android and iOS users to view Microsoft Office documents on the move. Like the existing SkyDrive and OneNote apps, Office Mobile will require a Microsoft account.” The report furthermore adds that “Very basic editing” will be enabled on the apps, but it doesn’t sound anywhere near the functionality of iWork apps or even Google’s Docs in their current forms.

Folks should expect iOS apps in late February and Android versions a month or so later, and you’ll need to pay for an Office 365 plan.

What do you think, will this ever compete with current offers such as Pages or Google Docs?