LibreOffice 26.8 introduces many great features while avoiding any intrusive AI elements.
No chatbots, no cloud synchronization, no subscription costs. Just significant enhancements for essential office tasks.
The Document Foundation
While major tech companies are engaged in an unyielding competition to integrate generative AI into every part of life, the team at LibreOffice, the open-source office suite, is taking a different path. The Document Foundation has now released LibreOffice 26.8 for Windows, macOS, and Linux, focusing entirely on substantial, impactful improvements for key office tasks rather than cluttering toolbars with unnecessary chatbots or relying on cloud services for document management.
Practical features to enhance your workflow
One of the key features in LibreOffice 26.8 is a new text layout algorithm for Writer called the Paragraph Composer. Traditional word processors typically employ a line-by-line method for text layout, which can lead to justified text with inconsistent line spacing. This new algorithm addresses that issue by evenly distributing word spacing across lines in a paragraph.
The Document Foundation
This release also introduces native support for OpenType variable fonts, automatic detection of paragraph direction for right-to-left text, and a distraction-free Draft view. LibreOffice Math has been upgraded to support formulas in N’Ko and Adlam scripts.
Power users of spreadsheets will appreciate Calc’s inclusion of Calculated Fields in pivot tables, as well as improved compatibility with XLSX files. Additionally, Impress and Draw now allow for multiple page sizes to be mixed within a single document. LibreOffice has also enhanced the preservation of complex Microsoft Office charts, ensuring layouts such as waterfall, sunburst, and funnel charts remain intact during round-trip document sharing.
No AI or tracking
Equally important as what this update includes is what it lacks. The Document Foundation has clearly stated that LibreOffice 26.8 features no generative AI capabilities. None of your data is sent to external servers for processing, no features require an internet connection, and there are no hidden subscriptions or telemetry trackers operating in the background.
In a landscape where software often feels bloated, intrusive, and reliant on the cloud, LibreOffice stands out as one of the best alternatives to Microsoft Office, as it retains your data locally and avoids forcing unwanted AI features upon users. It is available for free download now.
Pranob is an experienced tech journalist with over eight years of experience in consumer technology reporting. His work has been…
Claude Cowork introduces its own browser, keeping your tabs, bookmarks, and saved passwords intact
Anthropic has given Claude a built-in browser that is separate from your personal browsing experience. Claude Cowork has now integrated its own browser directly into the desktop application. Previously, providing Claude with web access required sharing your actual Chrome browser through the Claude in Chrome extension. Now, there is a second option. Claude can launch a distinct browser within the Cowork side panel, allowing it to manage the web components of tasks independently while you continue with your work.
Read more
Gemini 3.5 Transcribe aims to alleviate worries about speaking perfectly
Everyone tends to ramble, backtrack, and trip over words when speaking aloud. Google’s new Gemini 3.5 Transcribe is designed with our imperfect speech in mind. Announced as the company’s most accurate speech-to-text model to date, it translates your rough, unrefined speech into polished, formatted text without requiring you to sound like a news anchor first. It is being launched alongside two companion models, Gemini 3.5 Live and Gemini 3.5 Live Experimental, collectively branded by Google as "Gemini Audio."
Read more
AI receptionists raise concerns after a patient reported issues with communication
Your GP may use an AI receptionist that hopes for clear communication. AI receptionists are supposed to simplify the process of calling a doctor, but more patients are discovering the opposite, particularly when machines struggle to understand their speech patterns or needs. A recent incident in South Yorkshire highlights this issue. Judith Butterfield, a 71-year-old recovering from a stroke, shared with the BBC that the AI receptionist at her GP surgery repeatedly failed to comprehend her speech while she sought to book an appointment. The stroke had left her speech fragmented and affected the movement of the right side of her body. After multiple unsuccessful attempts, she ultimately registered with a different practice.
Read more
Other articles
How close are robots to being utilized on production lines? The journey of Galbot towards industrial AI.
For many years, industrial robots have mainly been utilized for performing repetitive tasks. This is especially true on highly standardized production lines, like those in the automotive industry.
Poland has requested that the European Commission impose a €250 million penalty on Meta due to scam advertisements.
Poland has requested the European Commission to impose a €250 million fine on Meta due to scam advertisements, following a seven-day period for the company to respond to nine inquiries.
The concept of AI receptionists appears to be concerning after a patient disclosed that it did not comprehend her request.
AI receptionists are being implemented to manage GP calls and decrease wait times, yet patient complaints are highlighting issues related to accessibility, communication, and the need for human support.
Brazil files a lawsuit against Discord seeking R$500M and requests the establishment of an office in the nation.
The federal government of Brazil is filing a lawsuit against Discord for R$500 million due to shortcomings in child safety, just three days after Discord challenged the regulator's authority.
Barret Zoph is returning to Google after six years and two startup ventures.
Barret Zoph, co-founder of Thinking Machines Lab, is set to join Google DeepMind as Vice President of Research, just weeks after Demis Hassabis stepped down from his role as CEO.
The regulator in South Korea has stated that the restrictions imposed by Meta for teenagers should be enforced globally, rather than being limited to the United States.
South Korea's media regulator has contended that Meta's recently announced youth protections should be implemented globally, shortly after the company stated that these measures do not automatically apply everywhere.
LibreOffice 26.8 introduces many great features while avoiding any intrusive AI elements.
The Document Foundation has launched LibreOffice 26.8, which introduces enhanced paragraph typography, expanded spreadsheet functionalities, and no intrusive AI features to the open-source office suite.