Microsoft Loop is latest addition the MS Office App suite for collaborative work. Let me explain.

Let's say you've embedded a table in Outlook email; and your colleague updates it with new information; loop will ensure that the table gets updated in your email as well. The end-goal is to keep the information in sync across MS Office Apps suite.

In addition, MS introduced Loop Workspaces - a quick overview of what everyone on the team is working on; and react to it. Parts of the Loop are expected to make their way into MS Office apps later this year.

Microsoft's announced "Mesh for Teams" - a new way of meeting with your colleagues in virtual, mixed-reality environments. Instead of video calls, Mesh builds up your virtual avatar that interacts with fellow attendees. Your Mesh avatar will automatically make the gestures and animations based on your voice and facial expressions.

Mesh will start rolling out in 2022 - and Microsoft's going to let corporations customize the virtual environments to suit their needs.

Btw, don't ask us why your avatar doesn't have legs. We don't know.

Team Vesco and ReVolt System's 444 Little Giant has set a new land-speed record for EVs with 568 kmph top speed. The vehicle deploys two heavily modified Tesla motors powered by 1152 prismatic li-ion batteries. The team has now set eye on new barrier - 643 km/h (400 mph).

This new speed record does not come anywhere near the Bloodhound SSC - the car that's attempting to break the 1000 mph barrier.

Hydrogen aviation pioneer, ZeroAvia is readying its zero-emission hydrogen powered airplane to carry 19 passengers from London to Rotterdam in 2024. The aircraft will fly entirely on hydrogen - and is likely to be the first commercial, international flight.

ZeroAvia says that its zero-emission power train has 75% lower fuel and maintenance costs resulting into 50% overall reduction in trip costs. The 10-20 seater configurations are designed to offer 300-500 mile flights.

Amazon's planning to put 3236 communication satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO) in order to offer satellite Internet. The company's planning to put KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2 in space by end of 2022 to test its technologies outside of the lab environment.

Amazon will deorbit the satellite so that they don't add to space debris. One of the satellites will also have a sunshade so that ground satellites get an unobstructed view of the space.

New 5D storage mechanism now allows storing 500TB of data on a CD-sized glass disc. Researchers used near-field enhancement which allows creation of nanostructures using weak light pulses to store information in glass at faster speed.

Researchers wrote 5GB of data on the disc; but confirmed that it can store about 500 TB of data; making the disc 10000x denser than blu-ray disc.

General Atomics and Boeing have prototyped a badass 300 kW laser weapon. The prototype will produce a lethal output greater than anything fielded to date.

Back in 2014, US Navy had developed a 30kW beam capable of taking down drones. But a 300 kW laser can take down missiles, helicopters and even airplanes.

The trips to Mars are currently one-way; because the size of the rockets required to ferry back the astronauts would be too big. In order to make reusable rockets, we'll have to develop ability to create our own rocket fuel on Mars - and now we've some hope. Georgia Tech scientists have used cyanobacteria (algae) and E. coli to develop 2,3-butanediol.

“Application of biotechnology on Mars is a perfect way to make use of limited available resources with minimal starting materials.”, said Nick Kruyer - author of the study.

Facebook Inc. is now Meta Inc. - and it's a short for "Metaverse" or multiple universe. Zuck informed that the new branding exercise is in-line with company's vision to go beyond one product the FB Social Network. Company's existing products - Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram will continue to exist with the same name; but may find more integration with the 3D experiences that company's betting on.

It's similar to "Google" rebranding itself to "Alphabet". Btw, the iconic "like" button logo for FB's HQ will be replaced too!

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is readying the world's largest indoor aquarium. Once ready, the 183K sq.m aquarium will host thousands of marine species in its 25m liters water tanks. Attractions include Endliss Vista - a 20m tall vertical glass window with towering views of the marine life. The park is expected to open in 2022.

Apple's released MacOS 12 "Monterey" for your Macs; provided it's compatible. Prominent features include: Facetime SharePlay, improved Messages, new Safari, Focus mode, better notifications and notes, AirPlay to Mac and Live Text.

Compatible Devices

MacBook, early 2016 and later MacBook Air, early 2015 and later MacBook Pro, early 2015 and later Mac Pro, late 2013 and later Mac Mini, late 2014 and later iMac, late 2015 and later iMac Pro, 2017 and later

Starlab, the first commercial space station will be ready by 2027; informed Lockheed Martin (LH). Starlab will act as a private replacement for the ISS, which is due for retirement in 2030. In addition to conducting scientific experiments and research in space, the Starlab will also act as a space hotel for tourists.

WhatsApp will stop working on Android 4.1, iOS 10+ phones from November 1, 2021. On the KaiOS front, only 2.5.0 (Jio Phone 1 and 2). You'll be automatically logged out of your account after November 1 if you fail to upgrade your phone. All the best!

We're officially in the new iPhone season and rumors are pointing out satellite connectivity feature in upcoming iPhone 13. In the remote areas where cellular networks are absent, iPhone 13 will be able to make calls and send messages via Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. It's likely that Globalstar - the company that specializes in satellite Internet has partnered with Apple for this service. The new iPhone 13 is expected to launch in a week or two. We'll keep you posted.

Voicera is a simple, yet supercool service that lets you add voice to your articles and blogs. All you need to do is add a simple JS snippet to your page; and Voicera will do the rest. The service is currently in beta and onboarding early users with 20,000 credits (characters) free of cost. The service currently supports English US/UK and India accent and more options are coming soon.