Previously, Google Social Search only worked to pull in results based on the services included in users' Google Profiles. Now Google has expanded the product to pull in public results from services -- think Twitter, Flickr, Reader or YouTube -- connected to users' Google Buzz accounts too.
Of course, Google insists that only public information will be pulled in to Social Search, a declaration that might be a point of interest for those still concerned about Google Buzz's previous privacy faux pas. In case of doubt, you can use the "My Social Content" or "My Social Circle" links in the Social Search results to verify what content you're sharing and which friends you're connected to.
We spoke with Software Engineer Matt Cutts prior to the announcement. Although the company was reluctant to release specific data around Google Social Search, Cutts says, "The team is happy with the [Social Search] usage we've seen."
If anything, the enhancement means that Google maintains continued interest in the success of both the Buzz and Social Search products. Connecting the dots between the two was a logical next step for the search company.