Google unveils social search function

HAMBURG: Google is testing a new social search function to make it easier for people find their friends' blogs and twitter feeds.

The only catch is that users of the service need to have an open profile with Google that includes personal contact data.

Once those conditions are met, the user can access the service at the Google Labs. Typing in "New York" will yield a list of friends in the user's social network who have posted items from the Big Apple. Settings can be altered so that only postings from close friends and acquaintances are included in the "social graph."

Google Germany spokesman Stefan Keuchel says the new social search function is separate from a recently launched service allowing real time searches of Twitter feeds. Social Search works quickly, but not in real time. It is currently only available in English.