Androids are officially on twitter
I couldn’t resist downloading the official Twitter app for Android as soon as I heard it was available. As an avid tweeter I was excited to see what it was like.
The homescreen
Users are displayed trending topics at the foot of the screen
When loading the app the user is taken to a homescreen where they can choose if they wish to read tweets, view their profile or view lists messages or replies. The layout is simple and easy to use with large target areas for fingers to press. The area at the foot of the screen is very interesting. This area is used to pop-up various trending topics allowing users to visit these searches directly from the homescreen.
Peoples tweets
Users are presented with a pop-up menu to carry out actions
While reading tweets the application keeps access to all functionality on one screen. The full tweet text is displayed with a small pop-up menu displayed at the touch of an icon. This allows users access to functions as such as retweeting, replies, favourites and sharing while not leaving the main screen, not dissimilar to the method applied by the latest Facebook design where the user has access to many functions from a single screen.
Your tweets
The "Create tweet" screen is clear and well laid out
The “Create tweet” screen is clearly laid out and organised. The update and cancel buttons are placed above the keyboard, not hidden behind it as in so many Android apps. An iPhone style on/off slider is used to toggle the users location on or off, an interface element many people will be familiar with but may not be clear to all of Android’s user base. It is easy to add or upload photos and another function allows users to access their following list to add people as an @ reply into their tweet. This is a handy feature that turns your following list into a contacts list.
Tweetclusion
The official Twitter app is a welcome addition to my Nexus One. It has currently taken the title off Seesmic for my top tweeting tool. Its combination of neat features and smooth interface make it a good choice for anyone.
Mobile, information architecture, interface design, user interface