Not only did Google implement real-time searching into their engine, but now they are putting a little muscle under its hood. They gave the new feature its own URL (moving it from the “updates” sidebar) and some new tools to help your search experience flow more smoothly:
Geographic refinement – this feature lets you choose where you would like to see results from.
Conversation view – allowing you to search through an entire conversation thread.
Real-time alerts – Google alerts are sent to you via email containing real-time extended updatesfor the search terms of your choice.
Also, Danny Sullivan of Search Engine Land, notes a name change from “Real Time” to the more compact “Realtime”
Thanks for the heads up. I didn't find the geographic refinement very helpful, but perhaps in the future the functionality will be better.