Microsoft shutting down So.cl, its little-known social network

8 Mar 2017

Microsoft logo. Image: Denis Linine/Shutterstock

Microsoft is closing down So.cl, a social network launched several years ago that never truly took hold. Few will mourn its passing.

Much like a language, the death of any social network comes about due to lack of use or, better still, interest.

Facebook exists because it is popular. LinkedIn, likewise. So.cl, though, is not, and so Microsoft is shutting it down.

Acting as a similar model to Tumblr or Pinterest, So.cl failed to capture people’s interest. It will cease in one week, with its swansong on 15 March.

Calling it a “wonderful outlet” for users to share their creativity over the years, “as well as a place to enjoy a supportive community of like-minded people, sharing and learning together”, Microsoft’s Fuse Labs revealed the news in a blog post.

“In supporting you, So.cl’s unique community of creators, we have learned invaluable lessons in what it takes to establish and maintain community as well as introduce novel new ways to make, share and collect digital stuff we love,” it said.

“From the very beginning, we’ve been amazed by your creativity, openness, and positivity. Thank you so very much for sharing your inspirations with us.”

What Microsoft plans to put in So.cl’s place is unclear, though adding to the current ocean of social media platforms is probably not the wisest move.

Some of Microsoft’s more interesting moves of late include a new app called Skype Lite, specifically aimed at the Indian market, offering low connectivity, chatbots and online verification.

“Skype Lite uses less data and power by compressing large files such as photos and video content, and therefore requires less battery power compared to the Skype mobile app,” it explained in a blog post.

“This helps to minimise issues with the app draining the battery, especially on older devices.”

Elsewhere, it’s teaming up with Intel and dozens of other partners across the tech and finance environment, in order to allow easier use of the blockchain enterprise code Ethereum.

Microsoft logo. Image: Denis Linine/Shutterstock

Gordon Hunt was a journalist with Silicon Republic

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