Microsoft plans to include text predictors to Word in March.
The new feature will work similar to Google Docs’ Smart Compose option, which uses machine learning to predict the words an author will need to speed up document creation.
Originally, Microsoft announced the beta of text predictions last year but it is now on the Microsoft 365 roadmap to reach all Word users on Windows next month. MS Word will highlight grayed out predictions when users write a document, then the suggestions can be accepted with the Tab Key or rejected by hitting escape. The Text predictions can also be disabled completely by Word users.
Microsoft also started rolling out identical text predictions in Outlook for Windows this month, allowing users to compose emails faster. These Gmail-like text predictions also rolled out to Outlook on the web last year, alongside a feature to let people schedule when emails would be sent.
Microsoft plans to get text predictions next month
SpaceX announces second crew member of its all-civilian space mission
SpaceX announced Hayley Arceneaux, a physician assistant at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, will join the first all-civilian trip to space.
As part of the Inspiration4 mission, Hayley will orbit Earth for up to five days in the Crew Dragon capsule.
Crew members are selected based on “mission pillars of leadership, hope, generosity and prosperity,” according to the press release for the mission. Arceneaux, SpaceX said, will represent hope.
If it all goes as scheduled, the mission is slate for late 2021. Arcenaux at 29 years old, could be the youngest American to go to space. The selection process for crew members involves a fundraising effort for St. Jude, including a sweepstakes where people can donate to St. Judes for chances to be the third member.
Netflix’s newest feature automatically downloads shows based on what you like
Netflix adds a new mobile feature that will automatically download movies and show recommendations based on viewer history. Downloads For You launched globally on Monday for Android users, the company announced.
You will need to opt in to use the new feature. Once toggled on from the downloads tab, you will need to set the amount of space- 1GB,5GB or 3GB- you would want to use.
More space means more Netflix recommendations downloaded. TechCrunch said in a report that although Netflix’s full catalog is available with the feature, there would be some downloads that are limited because of licensing restrictions.
Netflix continues to improve its offline watching features; in 2018 the platform launched Smart Downloads on Android, which automatically deletes downloaded episodes after they have been watched. Downloads For You is only currently available on Android but an iOS version will start testing soon.
Recent Samsung Galaxy devices will now get at least four years of Android security updates
Samsung has announced that it will be extending the amount of time that the Galaxy tablets and smartphones will be getting security updates.
Now, devices released from 2019 and onward will receive at least four years of security updates.
It is beneficial to note that Samsung is only promising four years of “regular security updates”, which actually means is Samsung’s lowest tier of update frequency, reserved for devices that it still supports but with no promise of a quarterly or monthly cadence.
Still, this new announcement does mean that Samsung is making efforts to extend the usable life span of dozens of its devices; which includes some of its cheaper entry-level phones that may not ordinarily see that type of long-term support.
Microsoft Teams: Changing the rules of game design with Hasbro
Hasbro couldn’t bring people into their headquarters to try out new games. Now with Microsoft Teams, they are testing new Monopoly games in homes with families all over the world, giving Hasbro more authentic insights into how people play.
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Dozens of Boeing 777 planes grounded in Japan and US after engine failure
Airlines in the US and Japan have grounded dozens of Boeing 777 aircraft after the dramatic engine failure that United Airlines flight 328 experienced over Denver this weekend. The National Transportation Safety Board’s ongoing investigation says two fan blades on the plane’s number 2 engine had developed fractures.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency airworthiness directive that requires “immediate or stepped-up inspection of Boeing 777 airplanes equipped with certain Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines”. The FAA also noted that this was likely to result in aircraft being removed from service.
United Airlines said it is voluntarily grounding 24 Boeing 777 aircraft that use the 4000-series Pratt & Whitney engines.No person was injured in United flight 328, which was bound for Honolulu but safely returned to Denver after encountering the engine failure briefly after takeoff.
Italy’s Eni vows to be carbon neutral by 2050
Italy’s Eni became the latest energy group to increase its climate ambition with a promise to become carbon neutral by 2050. As Eni seeks to keep pace in an industry mounting investor pressure to emission reduction.
Eni announced its plans after newly-appointed Prime Minister Mario Daghi at the weekend placed climate change at the heart of his plans for Italy; and stated that his government intends to boost green hydrogen production and boost renewable energy.
Eni makes most of its earnings from gas and oil and their 2050 decarbonisation goal said it would be reached through raising renewable capacity, forestry initiatives, growing output from bio-refineries and other green projects.
The group plans to spend 7 billion euros per year over the next four years, with over 20% of that earmarked for green projects and the merged renewable and retail business.
Meet Elizabeth Ann: The World’s First Cloned Black-footed Ferret
Elizabeth Ann is the outcome of a conservation project; which is a collaboration between the US Fish and Wildlife Service and scientists at Revive & Restore, ViaGen Pets & Equine, San Diego Zoo Global, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The project aims to overcome genetic obstacles hampering efforts to restore the population of Black-footed ferrets.
Expanding the gene pool with a clone from a deceased animal reduces the risk of inbreeding-associated health problems often seen in “pure-bred” dogs.
The species won’t be revived with cloning alone, the intention is to grow the project in tandem with continuous efforts to stabilise wild populations; which is done by increasing suitable habitats for these animals.
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