Microsoft tests 'Twitter for emergencies'

A new tool from Microsoft is designed to help families and friends stay in touch with each other in difficult times and know when someone needs help.

Cumbria earthquake reported on Twitter

Microsoft Vine is currently in beta testing and provides a way of tracking loved ones and to let others know where you are.

For example, if you were in an area struck by a natural disaster you could send alerts to your loved ones through Vine to either reassure them you were OK or tell them you need help.

Some commentators are already describing it as 'Twitter for emergencies', and Vine is designed to work with any device that can connect to the internet.

A dashboard lets you see maps and other information about the location of loved ones, as well as any alerts about their status.

The company was keen to reassure potential users about privacy matters, presumably to try and avoid a similar outcry to that which greeted Google Latitude.

"With Microsoft Vine, you control the profile you create and decide what goes into it, who can see it, who can send information to you, and how you receive it," Microsoft said.

Beta testing will only be open to a limited number of people but you can register your interest on the Vine website.