There's a new social network in town, folks, and you wouldn't believe which company is actually behind it. The new social network is called So.cl, which actually means social, and it is powered by Microsoft, yes, you have read it correctly. Microsoft has entered the game of social networks. For the moment, Microsoft is not portraying So.cl as a direct competitor to Facebook, Twitter, or Google +, the company is, in fact, aiming its new social network at students who wants to share information on a variety of topics.
This isn't the first time we have heard of So.cl, the project was leaked last year but with the inroads Facebook, Twitter, Google +, and even Pinterest have made, we doubt Microsoft would go ahead with the launch, but alas, it did. Microsoft optioned out from spending millions to launch and advertise So.cl. Instead the company chose to be discreet and quiet about it, a move that could end up working in the software giant's favor.
Users are asked to log in with their Windows Live or Facebook account. From there a variety of suggested topics are made available along with a few people to follow.
The big question on your mind right now, is, what is So.cl and how does it work. Well, according to Microsoft, So.cl is an experimental research project, so basically all early adopters are guinea pigs. Furthermore, the social network is very strong on open source, the one stand out feature that could be ace in the bag if this social network is ever going to take off.
We know how social network users love to share everything about themselves, even if it is not important or about their personal lives. So.cl new Open Search feature will take advantage of people like those. When enabled, Open Search automatically posts all your search engine queries to your followers. We're not sure how many people would be interested in this feature, since many would have to think twice before searching for "Scarlett Johansson naked pictures."
There's also a feature called Video Parties, this allows users to search or create videos to share with their followers. It's basically a copy of Google + Hangout feature where users can watch videos with others in real time. So the only stand out feature about So.cl would have to be Open Search, but that alone won't be enough to get the attention of the crowd.
What's interesting about So.cl is how similar in design it is to Google +. Very disappointing that Microsoft failed to use the Metro design instead of copying Google + design choice.
How can Microsoft ensure that So.cl survive in a world dominated by Facebook and Twitter? The company must integrate its top services into the platform as soon as possible. Services like Xbox Live, Messenger, Skype, and SkyDrive are essential to the success of So.cl. Next, the company should integrate So.cl into Windows Phone. That would be the icing on the cake.
