“So.cl combines search and social networking for the purpose of learning and is the latest experiment from FUSE Labs,” according to Microsoft.

The features and apps in this new Microsoft So.cl are quite similar to Pinterest and Google+, in terms of design and populating the links. Strangely, it posts search request on a news feed so it is better to avoid any kind of explicit activity that might cause potential embarrassment, writes Arabiangazette.com.

The social network offer users to share rich information that contains images, videos and links. A standout feature of So.cl (pronounced ‘social’) is the ability to create “video parties” that allow users to search for and assemble videos they can share with other users.

“We expect students to continue using products such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other existing social networks, as well as Bing, Google and other search tools,” said Microsoft in its FAQ section, adding, “We hope to encourage students to reimagine how our everyday communication and learning tools can be improved, by researching, learning and sharing in their everyday lives.”

“In its December 2011 report, Microsoft asserted the site is not meant to compete with Facebook or search engines, but to allow students to share materials for academic purposes,” as reported by Mashable.

The new social networking site, earlier blogged as “experimental research project,” was made available to information and design schools at the University of Washington, Syracuse University and New York University, according to Arabiangazette.com.