If you’ve got 2 minutes, please give us your view by filling in our survey. This helps us create content YOU love.
Hey! It’s Jack.
In this edition of On The Pulse:
How you can work distraction-free using tools you already own
Massive Android changes
X (formerly Twitter) has a new owner — kinda…
Table of Contents
Let’s get started!
🔍 FAVOURITE FINDS
📰 News
Google is making Android development private by moving all future work to internal branches, ending its long-standing practice of building the OS in public via AOSP. While the source code will still be released when versions are finished, developers and open-source watchers will no longer see changes in real time. Google argues this streamlines releases and reduces sync issues between public and private branches, making life easier for OEMs and app developers. It’s a pragmatic shift, but a blow to transparency and the spirit of open source — essentially, Android’s development will still be open, just no longer openly developed.
Elon Musk’s AI firm xAI has officially acquired X (better known as Twitter!) in a $45 billion all-stock deal, valuing the social platform at $33 billion after accounting for $12 billion in debt. Musk says the merger will deepen integration between the two, combining data, compute power, and talent to support xAI’s development — particularly its Grok chatbot. The move consolidates Musk’s empire and positions X as a distribution channel and data source for AI training. While it may streamline operations and boost investor returns, it also raises concerns about data control, AI consolidation, and regulatory oversight. A bold, strategic play — but not without baggage.
🧐 Interesting
Cybersecurity expert Troy Hunt, creator of HaveIBeenPwned, ironically fell victim to a phishing attack targeting his personal blog’s Mailchimp account. While jet-lagged in London, Hunt clicked on a convincing email mimicking Mailchimp, entered his credentials and OTP, and inadvertently gave a hacker access to export his blog’s 16,000-email mailing list. Even unsubscribed users were affected due to Mailchimp not purging their data. Hunt openly admitted his lapse in judgment, citing exhaustion and the phishing email’s subtle urgency. It’s a reminder that even the best can slip — and that 2FA isn’t foolproof against clever social engineering.
✨ DEEP DIVE
💯 Use tools already available to you to reduce interruptions
Distractions are everywhere. From Teams pings to pop-up emails, it’s easy to lose focus— especially when working in different locations throughout the week.
The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your life to work more clearly. This week, we’re sharing practical ways to create a digital workspace that helps you stay focused, organised, and in control—using tools you already have in Microsoft 365.
Use Microsoft 365 tools to reduce interruptions
📧 Tidy up Outlook notifications
• Turn off desktop alerts for new emails.
• Use Focused Inbox to separate important messages from the rest.
💬 Mute Teams when you need to focus
• Switch on Do Not Disturb during deep work or meetings.
• Set Quiet Hours in the Teams mobile app to avoid evening interruptions.
⏱ Block out focus time with Viva Insights
• Schedule Focus Time directly in Outlook using Viva Insights.
• Teams will automatically mute notifications during these blocks.
Simplify your setup — digitally and physically
🧹 Clear your desktop
• Keep your digital desktop tidy. Save active files in OneDrive or Teams folders.
• Remove unused shortcuts and old downloads.
🌐 Close what you’re not using
• Fewer tabs = fewer distractions. Try using a tab manager to pause what you don’t need.
• Shut down background apps that don’t relate to the task you’re working on.
🖥 Use full screen or Focus Mode
• In Word and Excel, Focus Mode hides toolbars and extra windows.
• Press F11 in your browser for full-screen view — simple but effective.
Build habits that support concentration
📝 Plan your day with Microsoft To Do
• Add 3 – 5 key tasks to the My Day list.
• Tick them off as you go — less jumping between unrelated jobs.
📥 Batch your email and chat time
• Set two or three short time slots to check messages instead of reacting constantly.
• Let others know your availability in your Teams status message.
⏳ Take regular breaks to reset
• Set a timer or use Outlook reminders to take a short screen break every 25–50 minutes.
• Even 5 minutes away from the screen can help you refocus.
A few simple tweaks go a long way…
You don’t need a new laptop, fancy apps, or complete silence. Just small changes to how you use your tools and structure your day can help you work with more clarity and less noise.
📢 Next week: We’ll show you how to sync and access your files from anywhere using OneDrive and SharePoint — without losing track of anything.
What’s the biggest distraction in your day? Hit reply and let us know — we’d love to hear it.
✅ WRAPPING UP!
That’s all for this edition of On The Pulse.
Thanks for reading and see you soon! 👋