Microsoft Vine takes on Twitter and Facebook

Fwd Tech  Wednesday 29 April 2009

First there was David Vine. Then Tim Vine. And now joining the ranks of famous Vines: Microsoft Vine

You can almost hear Twitter and Facebook spoiling their social networking undercrackers. Why? Because they’re about to get some fresh competition: Microsoft Vine!

Microsoft Vine is a little different from its rivals as its primary aim is to help you keep in touch with family and friends in any situation – from natural disasters to the organisation of a football team.

Microsft Vine came about from the confusion that reigned after Hurricane Katrina struck and people were struggling to get in contact with loved ones in the area. It does take some reference points from Twitter and Facebook, but It’s more about keeping tabs on what’s happening in the user’s local community.

So how does it work? Well, Microsoft Vine will take the form of a desktop widget dashboard and will allow officials to update local users in the event of an emergency. It’s also effective for informing abount events or weekly meetings, keeping users aware of any changes.

Microsoft Vine’s currently in the beta testing stage, but you can sign up on the Microsoft website should you wish to contribute. Whether something that focusses so much on the user’s local area and community can co-exist with Facebook and Twitter remains to be seen, but with the support of the big M behind it, there’s every chance. Now all it needs is Stephen Fry to get on board…