Microsoft yesterday unveiled a new software+services application to beta testers in Seattle, Washington.
The software is a desktop client for Windows which allows you to post information to it via e-mail or SMS. The application gathers local news from 20,000 sources and displays it on a map. Like Twitter it allows you to post short updates named alerts. Vine will also integrate with Facebook and the short messaging service, Twitter, at a later date.
Microsoft"s main emphasis for the application is marketing it to emergency management officials, who could use the new tool to broadcast and receive information during a disaster or other major event. According to The Seattle Times, Seattle is the first place Vine will be publicly available. The software giant plans to open the test up to other locations at a later date.
More information on Vine and how to sign up to the beta is available at the newly launched Vine site