What features can you gain or lose in each application? Is there one app to rule them all when it comes to Android Twitter apps, or does the phrase "different apps for different chaps" ring true? We'll take a look at four of the most popular Twitter apps in the Android Market, including the brand-new official app from Twitter, and give you the lowdown on each.
Twitter for Android
Price: FREE
Rating: 4.5 stars
Downloads: 50,000-250,000
The first thing we've all noticed about the official Twitter app is its stunning UI. It stuns you nearly slack-jawed, in fact, with its graceful animation and cheery cartoon bluebird mascot flitting through the slowly moving clouds. It's very Disney-themed-nursery in its execution, but it's without a doubt the most visually spectacular Twitter app on the Market.
That being said, those of you who are used to a full-featured third-party client might weigh the official app and find it wanting. Users have said they have a hard time viewing pics; there's a tiny image preview, but you'll have to use your browser to see more than a 16-pixel thumbnail. It also doesn't autocomplete usernames in @replies; you can't see which users have natively retweeted you -- we could go on for a while about what Twitter's app doesn't yet do. Yet, perhaps, being the operative word; we'll see what future releases bring. But it does let you sync Twitter users with your contacts list.
User comments:
"Good, except retweeting with comments is a pain."
"Awesome but needs a darker option."
"Beautiful looking app and so smooth running!"
"Great app, but I need to add my second account. :("
"Great interface, but the first version lacks features."
Verdict: Being the "official" app and having a pretty face doesn't make up for the lack of features. Recommended for casual or new users.
Seesmic for Twitter
Price: FREE
Rating: 4.5 stars
Downloads: 50,000-250,000
Seesmic has long been a favorite client for Twitter addicts. The Android application got a thorough facelift just before the announcement of Twitter's official app. Seesmic gives its users a choice between native or DIY retweet styles, geotagging, a widget, lists, search and trending topics. Perhaps best of all, Seesmic allows for multiple account support -- it is the only highly rated, free Android Twitter client to do so.
User comments:
"Best Android Twitter app."
"Great app, but the notifications come hours late."
"I love it. It still needs a lightweight internal browser."
"I've paid for Twidroid Pro -- this is better!"
Verdict: If you're a high-volume Twitter addict with high-maintenance Twitter accounts, this is the app for you.
Twidroid
Price: FREE
Rating: 4.5 stars
Downloads: >250,000
[img src="http://www.thesearethedroids.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Twidroid_Main.jpg" caption="" credit="" alt=""][img src="http://www.androlib.com/appscreenmax/jwqx.u.cs.png" caption="" credit="" alt=""]
For the time being, this app is the reigning champion in terms of downloads alone. Even as a limited free version, this app kicks butt with a robust feature set and a slew of customizable settings and options. The app can be linked up with other services such as TwitPic, Posterous, Bit.ly and a host of others.
User comments:
"Tried out the official Twitter app... Back to Twidroid I have returned."
"Great app and customer service!"
"The big selling point for me is being able to delete my tweets if I typo."
"Easy to use and looks great"
Verdict: This app is a feature-packed workhorse for those who use Twitter personally or professionally and as an important line of communication.
Twidroid Pro
Price: £3.39 ($5.17)
Rating: 4.5 stars
Downloads: 10,000-50,000
[img src="http://www.worthlessgenius.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/twidroid_pro.png" caption="" credit="" alt=""][img src="http://androidandme.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/multi2.png" caption="" credit="" alt=""]
We've already talked a lot about Twidroid's features. Here's what users get with an upgrade to Twidroid Pro:
Multi-account support (merged & single view)
Three desktop widgets
Native Bit.ly support
Fuller features for Twitter lists
A tweet outbox post for tweeting while offline
Color themes
Integrated Buzz viewer
Shake device to refresh
User comments:
"Great Twitter app! More features than the official."
"Works well, but now [May 1, 2010] looking a bit dated."
"Great app. Updates often... Well maintained."
"Good mutliplatform Twitter/Identi.ca client."
Verdict: Like its free younger sibling, this app "crushes it" on features, from multiple account management to colorful or dark themes. If Twitter is your life, buy this app.