Friday Social Round Up: Facebook Graph Search, Google Donkey, Twogirlsandapuppy and #Horsemeat

Facebook announce Graph Search

We published a post about Graph Search after the announcement was made on Tuesday, but there is still a lot to say about what this could mean: Facebook’s search function is notably poor, and Graph Search addresses this issue, but it is obvious that this could lead to much bigger things.

Graph Search differs from Google’s Knowledge Graph because, instead of searching for web pages with connections back to the signed in user, Graph Search brings back Facebook results including pictures, people and places.

Graph Search also takes this sort of search to another level. While Google will return search results for “restaurants in Brighton”, Graph Search can return results that your friends like, have checked into or even drill down further to those associated with a particular type of friend, for example restaurants liked by friends who live in Brighton and are in a relationship.

If in the future Graph Search expands beyond places, people, photos and interests, it could really benefit businesses and brands as well as helping to make sponsored ads more effective.

This could be the biggest social development of the whole year, but, until it comes to the UK and we can test it, we won’t know for sure.

Google donkey killing

Did Google kill this donkey with its Google Maps car? Apparently not. While in Botswana collecting images for Street View, this donkey decided to roll around in the mud. As the car approaches the donkey, it can be seen standing up. However, as you move forward on Street View the donkey is lying motionless on the ground. In a blog post called “Never ass-ume”, Google Maps group product manager Kei Kawai explained:

“Because of the way our 360-degree imagery is put together, it looked to some that our car had been involved in an unseemly hit and run, leaving the humble beast stranded in the road… I’m pleased to confirm the donkey is alive and well.”

Twogirlsandapuppy

My sisters and I wanted a puppy when we were younger and my parents gave us a flat – we were devastated. But, when these two girls asked their dad for one, he set them what he believed to be an impossible challenge: they needed to get one million likes on Facebook

On Tuesday the two sisters set up a Facebook page for their cause, and by Wednesday morning a shocked father had to admit defeat. The page and post managed to circulate worldwide, with what seemed like every person ever denied a dog in their youth liking and sharing the post. The family are now looking into local rescue centres and shelters to find their new canine family member.

Tesco horsemeat burgers

We’ve all heard the news about Tesco’s frozen burgers containing horse meat. That’s sick: horses are for riding and not eating. While this is not strictly the company’s social media fail, the way people have taken to the internet to discuss the news has dominated UK news feeds. Here are a few of the funnier posts.

A woman has been taken to hospital after eating #horsemeat #burgers. Her condition is said to be stable.

— Freddie Junior(@Freddie_UK) January 16, 2013

Scientist: “Sir, we’ve discovered horse meat in your burgers.” Tesco boss: “Why the long face?”

— Paul Lewis (@PaulLewis) January 16, 2013

Are you in favour of #Horsemeat in your burgers? Yay or Neigh? #horseburger #horseburgergate

— Michael Wall (@DiamondsIRL) January 16, 2013

After Tesco’s finding horsemeat in their burgers, Primark have admitted to finding camel toes in their leggings…

— Rhi Leedam (@rhileedam) January 17, 2013

Traces of Zebra found in Tesco barcodes.

— Tim Grimes (@digitim) January 15, 2013

Viral video

With winter in full swing and more snow forecast for the weekend, it’s time for us to spare a thought for those weathering the freezing temperatures in Los Angeles. This video has received close to three million views since 11 January.