Microsoft Loop, a Notion-like hub for managing tasks and projects that sync across Microsoft 365 apps and services, is now available in public beta.
Users with a Microsoft Account or an Azure Active Directory account can access Loop. A companion app for iOS and Android will be available soon; Microsoft did not provide an exact date.
Loop, which was unveiled at Ignite 2021, is Microsoft’s response to Google Workspace Spaces, which provides dashboards for real-time, digital-first project collaboration.
Loop, like most team-based productivity platforms, includes project progress tracking tools and two-way sync with services such as Trello.
Loop is made up of three main components: Loop components, Loop pages, and Loop workspaces, which can be used together to paste real-time blocks of content into apps like Word, and others.
Microsoft claims it is intended to bridge the gaps in working in virtual teams, which became more apparent during the pandemic when Loop was developed.
Loop components are essentially JavaScript widgets that allow users to collaborate while working, such as in a chat, email, document, or online meeting.
Components can be as simple as lists, tables, and notes or as complex as a Dynamics 365 customer sales opportunity, and they are always synchronized across Microsoft 365 apps.
Edits to Loop components, such as tables, will be reflected wherever they’re embedded or shared, thanks to the syncing capabilities. Microsoft plans to add Loop components that facilitate business workflows in the future, beginning with Dynamics 365 records, and to allow developers to create entirely custom Loop components.
Loop pages, on the other hand, are flexible canvases on which users can organize their Loop components and pull in elements such as links, files, or data. (Loop includes a number of page templates to help you get started quickly.)
Loop workspaces cover a broader range of topics, serving as shared platforms where users can see and group everything relevant to their projects.
When creating a workspace, Loop can search for and recommend relevant documents and coworkers.
Up to 50 people can edit a workspace at the same time, reacting to changes with emojis and comments, but Microsoft recommends teams of two to twelve to avoid feeling claustrophobic.
Notion will face stiff competition when Loop finally launches.