MSN expected to test new blog and search features

MSN is expected to test new blog and search features that will enable users to find blogs and syndicate content using the RSS format.

Microsoft's Internet division will add features to MyMSN to its personalized Web service, that will let users find blogs and syndicate content using the RSS (Really Simple Syndication) format, according to company representatives.

People will be able to add content feeds to their MyMSN pages so they can view snippets of news and information in one place, without surfing to each individual page. Another feature will let people search for specific content contained within blogs.

"RSS is getting a lot of traction and we see it as a great tool for people to gain immediacy when it comes to information," said Brooke Richardson, MSN lead product manager.

MSN is taking a page from rival Yahoo when it comes to RSS. Last year, Yahoo began supporting the syndication format, allowing My Yahoo subscribers to search for RSS feeds and aggregate headlines from around the Web.