Microsoft has announced the public preview of Loop, a new hub for managing tasks and collaborating with others across Microsoft 365 apps and services. The launch of Loop follows its unveiling at Ignite 2021 and marks Microsoft’s answer to Google Workspace Spaces, which offers dashboards for real-time, digital-first project collaboration.
Key Components of Loop
Loop consists of three main components that enable users to stick real-time blocks of content into apps such as Outlook, Microsoft Teams, and Word. The three components are:
- Loop parts: These are JavaScript widgets that allow users to collaborate while working in a chat, email, document, or online meeting. Loop parts can be as simple as lists, tables, and notes, or as complex as a customer sales opportunity from Dynamics 365. They all stay in sync across Microsoft 365 apps.
- Loop pages: These are flexible canvases where users can organize their Loop parts and pull in links, data, or information. Loop provides numerous page templates for quick setup.
- Loop workspaces: Loop workspaces are designed to have a wider range of application and serve as collaborative platforms where team members can easily view and organize all the vital components of their projects. Moreover, Loop’s search function can suggest relevant documents and team members to include in a workspace, thereby streamlining the workspace creation process.
Unique Features of Loop
One of the unique features of Loop is its ability to sync edits to Loop parts across all the apps and services where they are embedded or shared. This means that if a table is edited in one place, the changes will be reflected everywhere it appears. In the future, Microsoft plans to add Loop parts that facilitate business workflows, starting with Dynamics 365 data, and allow developers to build custom Loop parts.
Loop workspaces can accommodate up to 50 people editing simultaneously, with the ability to react to edits with emojis and comments. However, Microsoft recommends that teams of 2 to 12 use Loop workspaces to ensure the interface doesn’t feel too crowded.
At present, the new Microsoft 365 Copilot system is undergoing private testing and is being integrated into Loop by Microsoft. The AI-powered Copilot will provide suggestions for creating a brainstorm or blueprint and allow multiple users to edit and share them in apps like Outlook and Teams.
Comparison with Notion
Loop’s launch raises the question of whether it can compete with Notion, another popular collaboration tool that allows users to manage tasks and projects in a flexible and customizable way. Notion has recently introduced an AI-driven system that can analyze meeting notes, produce summaries, highlight crucial details, and even generate text. Although Loop boasts numerous functionalities, it remains to be seen whether it can rival Notion’s versatility and advanced AI capabilities.
Availability and Compatibility
Users can access Loop by logging in with their Microsoft Account or Azure Active Directory account. While Microsoft has not disclosed a specific timeline, a companion app for iOS and Android is expected to be available in the near future.
Conclusion
Loop’s launch marks Microsoft’s entry into the crowded field of task management and collaboration tools. While it has some unique features, it remains to be seen whether it can compete with established players like Notion. However, given its integration with Microsoft 365 apps and services, it is likely to find a ready audience among existing Microsoft customers.
