Johannesburg, 20 Feb 2012
Microsoft is looking to get in on the social scene online - but instead of creating its own social network, like Google, it has created its own portal that curates social content from around the Web.
MsnNOW uses data from blogs, Twitter, Facebook, Bing, YouTube and BreakingNews.com to identify social trends and stories from across the Web.
The site features a “Biggest Movers” box, which is automatically updated with trending keywords through an algorithm every five minutes. A team of editors also summarise and analyse the trends into 100 words or less, and add insights as to why a particular story is trending and include links on where to find out more.
Microsoft says: “Every moment of every day, people are searching, sharing, tweeting and posting content. It's hard for people to know what others are really talking about; so every few minutes we look back at the last 24 hours to tally, sort and analyse millions of Bing searches and social updates.”
Cross-platform
“Our advanced technology detects breaking trends as they happen in real-time,” says Microsoft. “We think this new blend of algorithms and editorial is the perfect way to find the stories that matter now.”
The new service is available across devices and platforms, and apart from its own Web site, it is also available as a Facebook app, YouTube channel, or on Twitter via @msnNOW.
According to Microsoft, msnNOW and its social trends focus is aimed squarely at the younger generation. MSN (The Microsoft Network) is one of the oldest portals on the Web, and was originally launched in 1995. The Internet portal has been used by Microsoft to push its Web services such as Hotmail and Messenger, while also offering national and international news content.