NATION

February 10, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

NATION

Google Buzz lets Gmail users socialize easily

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Google is making it easier to socialize on its e-mail service. It’s unveiling a new “Google Buzz” feature that sets up a face-off with Facebook.

The feature unveiled Tuesday will enable Gmail users to create status updates on Google Buzz and read and comment on the updates posted by their friends.

Other tools turn Gmail into a showcase for sharing video, pictures and Web links to interesting stories, just as users can on Facebook and Twitter.

Southwest announces sale on some tickets

DALLAS — Southwest Airlines Co. is offering a sale geared toward leisure travelers who want to make short trips this spring.

The discount carrier said Tuesday it will sell tickets starting at $39 each way on some routes under 500 miles.

As usual, the airline didn’t say how many seats it will offer at the sale prices, and Friday and Sunday flights aren’t included. The sale ends Thursday and covers travel from March 15 through May 25.

Delta, American, United, Continental and US Airways matched the sale prices on routes where they compete with Southwest, said Tom Parsons, CEO of BestFares.com. Fellow discount carriers JetBlue and AirTran matched on some routes, he said.

Associated Press