Search Briefs
Social Networking + Free Classified and Event Listings = Windows Live Expo Goes Live In the U.S. (Beta)
This service (code named: Freemont) is now available for the U.S. You can set the area you want to search by selecting a metro area and then moving a slider to determine radius from that area (20 miles from Chicago, 150 miles from Atlanta, etc.) From the site, “Expo is a dynamic social listing service that allows members to find and sell items, discover information, and meet other parties in their area ? all for free!” You don’t need to be a registered (MS Passport) to search or browse listings but you do need to register to post and use “social” services. Browse by category or calendar, listings are free and can include photos. Instant messaging and mapping (each listing contains a link to MSN Virtual Earth) components. “Social” element lets you only see listings from certain registered users. From the site, “With Expo, you can browse and post listings to those you trust, like your buddies, co-workers, and fellow students, or, to all Expo visitors.” I haven’t had a chance to enter a listing but Microsoft says it takes less than a minute. Top-level categories include:
+ Autos
+ Events
+ Housing
+ Jobs
+ Merchandise
+ People
+ Pets
+ Services
A bit more info from the Windows Live Info blog.
See Also: Interview with Live Expo Product Manager (December, 2005)
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+ UK: Direct Gov gets job search (via Kable’s Government News)
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US: Energy launches megasearch effort (via FCW)
Learn about “Global Discovery”
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+ Searching For Your Inner Google (via eWeek)
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+ Update: Google Base will get e-commerce functions (via IDG News Service)
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+ Microsoft Exec Says That MSN Search Will Be More Relevant in U.S. Marketplace in Six Months (via Reuters)
Yes, MS is doing some cool stuff (see yesterday’s post and above) but we’ve heard similar swipes at Google from Bill Gates and company for quite some time. Btw, I’m not sure if by relevant we’re talking relevancy of results or relevant in the minds of searchers.

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