Twitter has rolled out a major update to its iOS and Android apps, adding a new design and changes to Home, Activity and Discover feeds. Twitter also makes it easier to access Direct Messages (DMs) with a dedicated button at the bottom of toolbar. Also, users can now share pictures with direct messages.
Only mobile users can attach photos with DMs currently, though users can view the images from Twitter.com on the desktop.
Moreover, users now have the option to view replies, retweets, and favorites from only the people that you follow. Twitter has also improved search functionality by letting users access tweets from people you follow and near you, directly from search results.
Newly designed Home, Activity and Discover feeds is now available by swiping in Timelines. Lastly, Twitter now lets you save web articles to read later with Safari Reading List.
The new update brings more prominence to Twitter’s DM feature. With focus on improving messaging, Twitter seems to be gearing up with the competition from Instagram’s rumoured messaging and customised mail features. It’s notable the social networking websites are now facing severe competition from the instant messaging apps such as WhatsApp and WeChat.
Twitter is looking to expand mobile users base by providing access to the network on phones without Interent connection. According to a recent report, Twitter is working with Singapore-based mobile solutions provider U2opia Mobile to provide access to the micro-blogging website on mobile phones without Internet.
You can download the updated Twitter app for Apple’s app store and Google Play store.