LibreOffice 26.8 is out – local first, and with no AI

LibreOffice 26.8, the latest semi-annual release of the cross-platform free and open-source office suite, has been released by the Document Foundation. The release comes with an emphasis on professional typography, enhanced support for global writing systems, and a commitment to not use artificial intelligence. This stance is particularly noteworthy, as the recent six months have seen the foundation distancing itself from Collabora, a company that contributes significantly to the software's development.

Collabora developers have contributed to notable features such as enhanced Markdown support, yet the Document Foundation chose to develop its own cloud-based office suite, Collabora CODE, in direct competition with Collabora Office. However, TDF's decision to emphasize local-first development and an AI-free approach is seen as a positive move.

The software is a standalone application, available for Windows, Linux, and macOS, with no cloud storage integration. It supports 120 languages and includes improved internationalization and accessibility features. While it's clear that LibreOffice remains a strong alternative to proprietary office suites like Microsoft Office, the release of 26.8 highlights the importance of the software in a world increasingly embracing artificial intelligence and cloud technologies.

Despite its ideological stance, the press kit also includes support for Microsoft Office formats, acknowledging the practicality of these standards. Overall, LibreOffice remains a vital tool, particularly for those who prioritize local data control and want to avoid reliance on cloud-based solutions.