Libreoffice introduces “No AI” as a feature
| Source: Mastodon | Original article
LibreOffice adds a No AI option, showing that despite current controversy the open‑source suite still leaves room for future AI features.
LibreOffice has deliberately chosen to ship its latest 26.8 release without any built‑in generative‑AI capabilities, positioning the absence of AI as a feature in its own right. In a blog post, The Document Foundation explained that the free office suite will, for the time being, contain no AI components in the standard installation. Instead, the update focuses on traditional productivity improvements: a new Paragraph Composer, enhanced support for complex scripts and advanced typography, tighter compatibility with Microsoft Office files, and refinements to Calc and Chart modules.
The decision matters because it runs counter to the prevailing industry narrative that AI must be embedded in every new software version. By foregrounding a “no‑AI” stance, LibreOffice signals a commitment to privacy, resource efficiency and the open‑source principle of keeping core functionality free from proprietary AI services. For users and organisations wary of data‑sentiment models or subscription‑based AI add‑ons, the move offers a clear alternative that prioritises stability and transparency over the hype surrounding generative tools.
Looking ahead, the foundation has not ruled out future AI integration; the blog post notes that the current omission does not close the door on later enhancements. Observers will watch for any plug‑in ecosystem or optional extensions that might introduce AI features without compromising the base suite’s clean footprint. The next steps will likely involve community discussions on how, if at all, AI can be added in a way that aligns with LibreOffice’s open‑source ethos and the expectations of its privacy‑conscious user base.
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