Microsoft So.Cl : Search based pinboard social network launches

Microsoft have quietly taken their So.Cl social network out of the beta testing stage this weekend, meaning it’s now open for all intrepid tech tinkerers to try out.

The network (which has been in a private beta testing phase since December) is designed primarily as a research aid for students, and lets users create and share “rich posts” that contain links, and images, pulled together from Bing.

A cross between Google+ and Pinterest, So.Cl also lets users host “video parties”, letting them communally watch YouTube videos.

Sign-up for the network is simple, using either Facebook or Windows Live logins.

However, be careful what you search for while using So.Cl; all search requests are shared in a public news feed amongst your friends, which could prove embarrassing if your searches aren’t squeaky clean.