MicrosoftLoop; Google Wave is now available via Microsoft.

To make up for the failed real-time communications and collaboration tool that Google prematurely shut down in 2010, Microsoft is resurrecting Google Wave. Maybe this was something we should have expected. When Microsoft first unveiled the Fluid Framework in 2019, many people were excited.

The goal was to completely reimagine business papers and how software developers create real-time applications from the ground up. Fluid was open-sourced last year and incorporated into a couple of Microsoft's Office programs, including Outlook and Word. On top of Fluid, Microsoft is releasing a new product today at Ignite: Microsoft Wave Loop.

With Loop, people may interact on documents on a real-time basis using the Fluid framework, which gives programmers the flexibility to mix and match modules to construct real-time coding applications. Several of Google Wave's promises were similar — a real-time collaboration with a developer framework and standard to make Wave available anywhere.

So, isn't that what Teams is for? If this is so important, Teams should have it. In addition to those plans, Microsoft adds that the Loop app "integrates a powerful and versatile canvas with transferable elements that move freely and remain in sync between apps – allowing teams to discuss, organize and create together."

Loop is made up of three parts: "atomic units of efficiency" including catalogs, tables, comments, and assignments, called "Loop components" (thanks to whoever coined that term); To help teams think, connect, and cooperate, Loop Pages are "flexible canvases where you can organize your sections and bring in other relevant items like files or links." Loop workplaces are also available, which are communal areas where you can keep tabs on the work of others and see how well you're doing concerning your own goals.

This is an essential part of what makes Loop better than Wave: it keeps tabs on where your pointer is at all times. What a metaverse you're living in right now! 

Google Wave launched with a voting table (with a status tracker, to boot), and more Loop/Fluent components will be available soon. Google Wave was a forerunner in its field when it launched.