Microsoft Excel gets an update
Microsoft plans on implementing machine learning tools to improve user experience. The new Excel will be capable of reading data and providing what Microsoft calls “insights,” which are data visualization and analysis tools. New data types will be added which will allow users to “tag” additional information and automatically search for related data. JavaScript is also going to be supported, allowing complex scripts to be written and used with any third-party Application Programming Interface (API).
The upgrade will be released early next year. Additionally, a subscription-free version of Microsoft Office will be released in the second half of 2018.
Microsoft, Facebook and Telxius complete subsea cable
Microsoft, Facebook and a global telecommunications infrastructure company Telxius have completed the highest capacity subsea cable. Spanning across the Atlantic, the 4,000 mile long cable connects Virginia and Spain. The intercontinental cable named Marea, Spanish for “tide,” ensures smoother communications across the Atlantic. It has a transfer rate of up to 160 terabits per second. In the modern era of mass data and communication handling, there is no question that the demand for data flow will increase.
“Everyone expects that whenever they turn on their computer or their tablet or their phone, they’re going to work. That’s what this cable is going to help enable,” Frank Rey, director of global network strategy for Microsoft’s Cloud Infrastructure and Operations division, said in a press release.
Tesla sends batteries to Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico was recently devastated by a series of storms. Following Hurricane Maria power was knocked out for large parts of the island.
Tesla has already sent and plans to continue sending hundreds of Powerwall battery systems — recharble home batteries designed to provide backup power — in an effort to provide power to the people of Puerto Rico. Along with the battery systems, Tesla employees were organized to help install these systems.
The island, home to 3.4 million people, utilized a tiny fraction of renewables as an energy source prior to the storm. Inevitably Puerto Rico’s damaged power grid will have to be rebuilt, which may spark a push to implement more renewable energy.
Uber’s London operations are halted
The future of Uber’s operations in London may be in serious jeopardy, at least for the foreseeable future. On Friday, Sept. 22, it was announced that the ride-sharing company was not going to be granted a new operating licence after their current one expired on Sept. 30.
A statement released by Transport for London (TfL) via Twitter argued that the app “is not fit and proper to hold a private hire operator licence.” TfL also claimed that the company is plagued by “a lack of corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues which have potential public safety and security implications.”
As evidence of Uber’s failings, TfL cites recent incidents involving how the company reports criminal offences, obtains medical certificates and gains access to Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service checks. Uber is allowed 21 days to begin the appeal process, during which, their 40,000 London employees are allowed to continue driving.
