Twitter updates add some much needed functionality
For Twitter users who utilize direct messages, today’s Twitter blog is going to make you very happy: the company announced updates to its apps, including, for the first time, the ability to sync direct messages across all devices.
This means messages will not be marked unread on other devices after they have already been opened. Previously, if you opened on iPad, the DM would appear unopened from your desktop. The syncing includes all platforms: iOS, Android, web browser, and TweetDeck.
“For all of these platforms, you’ll now be able to sync direct messages (DMs) across all your devices and Twitter accounts,” Twitter engineer Josh Hoyt said in a blog post. “When you read a DM on your Android phone or iPhone, it will be marked as read in your browser, your desktop apps, or your tablet, and vice versa.”They also said syncing will come to the app gradually, according to Twitter.
Other product improvements announced
Improvements will also be coming to search results. For example, there is now a “Connect” tab for Mac users which will highlight interactions, like favorites, retweets and “@”mentions. Also, when you search for someone, you will be able to see their full bio and profile, even from mobile devices.
The feature will also be available when accessing the site via mobile Twitter website (accessible regardless of device. You will not need the Twitter app to benefit from this feature). You also have the new feature of swiping to the left to see related accounts, so you can keep track of what is trending.
“On Twitter for iPhone, it’s now easier to reply to tweets with a built-in tweet composer that appears when you tap to see details,” Hoyt states. “And you’ll find it easier to find accounts to follow via a new people button on the navigation bar, making the iPhone experience consistent with our Android app. Tapping this icon reveals a list of accounts that may be interesting and relevant to you.”
