Facebook expands search function to public posts

Facebook has expanded search function that will allow users to find out to what's happening in the world.

Washington: Facebook has announced Search FYI, an expanded search function that will allow users to find out what the world is saying about a particular topic.

Noting that its users often turn to the social network to find out how their friends and family are reacting to what's happening in the world, Facebook reveals that they'll now be able to find public conversations on the same subjects.

Typing in the search box will now result in timely, personalized suggestions, highlighting things that are happening at that moment, and users will see the most recent public posts relevant to their search in addition to those from friends.

There is also the option of finding the public posts associated with a particular link via a single click, and to see an "aggregate overview of sentiment," according to Tom Stocky, VP of Search at Facebook.

The updates are rolling out in US English for iPhone, Android and desktop.