Apple and Android Twitter App Updated: Ten Best New Changes

Twitter, the microblogging powerhouse used by so many celebrities and sports stars, has updated both its official Apple and Android apps as of Feb. 21, so here are the new changes in detail. Both apps have returned popular features many may have been clamoring for, but there are also new features and designs. Many of the Apple app changes are only for the iPhone however, so iPad and Touch users will have to wait for some of the new features.

For Android users, the new Twitter app update tries to take advantage of the new Ice Cream Sandwich update, as well as optimizing for the Kindle Fire, Nook and Nook Color (Nook Apps to updated Feb. 23) platforms. The biggest update to both versions is the swipe shortcut. It's now possible to share, favorite, reply and retweet people's messages without leaving the timeline. One less step to do some of the most common Twitter actions. Additionally, both versions have added the ability to find the Twitter names of your friends from your email and phone contact lists. Most of the changes are to the iPhone version, however. Fonts sizes can be changed, something already available in the Android version. But, there is still no abiltiy to edit lists. Start the slideshow to see the 10 bes new Twitter app changes. Tell us in the comments what app you use to send tweets.  

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Retweet and reply to tweets without leaving the timeline. It's only possible to select the entire message, however. This feature lets you see the users profile as well.

Again, only entire tweets can be selected, but this function was sorely needed to be brought back. Just press and hold to copy the text.

Twitter can find your friends' Twitter handle by browsing your email and phone contacts lists. Select Find Friends, and a confirmation alert will be sent when your friends are found. Those users have to have allowed the app to discover them in this way, however.

There's a new design and Twitter has returned the ability to mark DM's as read. Just tap the check mark on the lower right.

Go to Settings and then, Advanced to change font sizes.

Press and hold on a link for sharing options.

To activate the Read it Later, go to Settings and hit Advanced. That option will allow you to tweet, copy or email links via the sharing feature.

Mark all messages as unread by tapping a checkmark in the lower right-hand corner.

A fast way to see if people follow you without having to click their name.

The iPhone version should now have an improved startup time.