So.cl
 | |
| Owner | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| URL | so |
| Registration | Required, Ages 18+ ONLY (currently in testing phase) |
So.cl (pronounced "social") is a social networking service and social search engine operated by Microsoft FUSE Labs.
Design
So.cl appears similar to Google+ and borrows concepts from Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.[2] It occupies a niche role and is intended to augment rather than replace these services.[3] Users are able to post a collage of pictures pertaining to a specific topic and share it with friends or "followers". Users are also able to post visual comments under these posts by sending "riffs". Riffs are a separate collage of graphic media that relate to the topic of the post. By using riffs, users are able to communicate with other users with media that are related to the interests.[4]
Signup and login require a Microsoft account or So.cl-connected Facebook account.[2] Currently, registration is only open to users 18 and older.
The site has integrated search features using the Bing API. Searches are public by default and can be marked private.[5]
Users can follow other users or categorical interest pages. Users can share content they view on the Internet with other users by installing the So.cl's Bookmarklet application which adds a “Share on So.cl” button to the browser's bookmark bar.[2]
- Video Parties
Video Parties are collections of live YouTube video shared and edited by users.[3]
- Following interests
Topic pages can be subscribed to populate the user's interest feeds.[3]
History
So.cl launched in December 2011 and was first available through a partnership to students of the University of Washington, Syracuse University, and New York University.[2][3][5] While still experimental, the site opened up to all users on 20 May 2012.[2]
Public Beta
Socl was released as a public beta on 4 December 2012. The announcement was made by a post by Microsoft Research's FuSE Lab on their website.[6] The release came with a completely redesigned interface.
References
- ^ Alexa.com (28 May 2012). "Socl site statistics". Alexa Internet, Inc. Retrieved 28 May 2012.
- ^ a b c d e Sean Ludwig (20 May 2012). "Microsoft silently launches social networking site So.cl". Washington Post via Venturebeat. Retrieved 28 May 2012.
- ^ a b c d Ian Paul (21 May 2012). "Microsoft's So.cl: A Brief Tour". PC World. Retrieved 28 May 2012.
- ^ http://www.so.cl/about
- ^ a b John Ribeiro (21 May 2012). "Microsoft's social networking site So.cl now open to all users". InfoWorld. Retrieved 28 May 2012.
- ^ "Good morning - It's a big day for us!". Microsoft Research FuSE Labs. Retrieved 5 December 2012.