Microsoft launches new Open Search Social Network – So.cl

A social network, but not a Facebook challenger. Microsoft has launched its new social network site that aims to provide the students with an ability to share the information about what they search in the web. The project called as “So.cl” is from the Microsoft FUSE labs, is an experimental research project that combines online search and social networking for providing better learning experience. So.cl is based on a Open Search, which means your searches are viewable to other So.cl users and will also be available to third parties.

You can login to So.cl using your Facebook or Windows ID. Your searches are not automatically posted to Facebook, unless you wish to do so. The users can also experience the traditional social networking features like comments, tagging, share and riff posts. The “riff” feature reminded me of Facebook’s thought on introducing “Hate” button. One of the interesting feature in So.cl is the ability to create and manage video parties that lets you to share and watch videos in real time.

 Check out the social networking site from Microsoft.