Google launches a real-time microblogging search service?

There's been growing speculation that Google is preparing to launch its own "microblogging search engine" to compete with Twitter's own search functionality. Much of the speculation centers on some Google code that a blogger claims to have found in June. While Google already indexes Twitter posts, it's not real-time and it is not integrated into existing products, which has prompted some users to take matters into their own hands.

The Standard has an existing prediction about Google acquiring Twitter, but market players clearly believe it won't happen -- community consensus now stands at 10%. Media reports have also cast doubt on this rumor. Might a new search product centered around Twitter and other microblogging services be a better way for Google to leverage the surging interest in this medium?

Prediction: Google launches a real-time service based on microblogging content such as Twitter on or before September 30, 2009. The service does not need to have its own branding (i.e., it can be an extension of existing products such as Google's search engine, Google News or Google Trends) but it must be made clear via some sort of official announcement or product functionality that Google is offering near real-time indexing and presentation of microblogging content.