∞ Microsoft offers new details, video of Office for Mac 2011

Microsoft on Wednesday released a few new details about the next release of Office for Mac. Microsoft confirmed that Outlook for Mac, the new email application that will come as part of Office for Mac 2011, will include a Conversation View. Using this view, users will be able to sort emails in a new way, helping them to find conversations quickly.

Outlook is also Spotlight and Time Machine friendly, which means emails can be found using the system search and then backed up using Apple’s tools.

Office will include the Office for Mac ribbon, which the company said was designed as an evolution of the Office 2008 Elements Gallery. The ribbon can be minimized if you want more screen space or if you’re used to the keyboard shortcuts and don’t need the buttons.

Microsoft also confirmed a new Template Gallery in Office for Mac 2011, allowing users to pick from a variety of templates to get a head start on a project.

Microsoft said earlier this year that Office for Mac 2011 would be available in time for the 2010 holiday season.