Filed under: iPod Family, Internet, iPhone, App Store
First Look: Twinkle
The iPhone will no doubt see it's fair share of Twitter clients (just as the Mac has). Twitterrific is the big name in the Mac/iPhone Twitter app space, but in a client from Tapulous called "Twinkle" has also been generating some interest. Originally released as a jailbreak application for the iPhone and iPod touch, Twinkle has just debuted on the App Store with the ability to location-base your tweets. While Twitterrific seems to have more precise locating abilities, Twinkle uses the location-based tweeting in interesting ways. For instance, you can see tweets originating within a certain mileage range from your location. Twinkle allows you to easily view your direct messages.
Overall, Twinkle looks like it will give Twitterrific a run for its money. Best part of all? Twinkle (iTunes Link) for iPhone and iPod touch is absolutely free.
Check out our gallery for some screenshots.
Gallery: First Look: Twinkle
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
OpticalSerenity said 4:15PM on 7-18-2008
Its great if you can get it to work. It's crashed on me several times, and I've yet to be able to see any of my twitter messages. Yes I entered in the Tapulous login info, and yes, I added my twitter account, but not only will it not find any messages, it can't "locate." either. I've tried reinstalling the app, and other apps work just fine, so its not my device.
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Dave said 4:30PM on 7-18-2008
I've had the opposite experience. Works great for me. Don't know what to tell you.
Stacy said 5:06PM on 7-18-2008
I'm having the same issue. Twinkle is saying I'm not following anyone...and then when I tried to post a tweet, I got an "unknown server error."
Pass.
ccmn said 4:18PM on 7-18-2008
I am a big fan of this app. I'm so happy to see it in the app store so soon. A lot of happy people this morning when they found out its gone 2.0. Tweet on!
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Jeremy said 4:23PM on 7-18-2008
Nice to have choices and the app seems fine so far, but it is seriously ugly, ugly, ugly!
Why make a product and then paint it purple, fuscia, and orange? I'll stick to Twitter, it's interface is only "okay" but at least it doesn't inspire sea-sickness. ;)
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mingistech said 4:31PM on 7-18-2008
I'd say that this is by far the best Twitter client on the iPhone. I used it back on my Jailbroken gen 1 iPhone.. and it's only gotten better.
Much better than Twitteriffic. I suggest everyone try it out.
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dagamer34 said 4:37PM on 7-18-2008
WHERE IS THE DIGG APP? KEVIN HAS DISAPPOINTED US!
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Lennie said 4:53PM on 7-18-2008
Currently there servers are down so expect issues until they work it out.
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MILE said 4:57PM on 7-18-2008
I don't really think it's any better than Twitterific, but many people are just used to it from having used it on their jailbroken devices...!? Both apps are nice though and good examples of what decent iPhone apps can/should look like...!
Only thing that's kind of a dealbreaker for me is that Twinkle forces you to sign up for a Tapulous account on top of your Twitter account...!
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NutMac said 5:31PM on 7-18-2008
I agree. Having to create a Tapulous account, along with its inability to use Twitter avatar graphics, prompted me to stop using the app.
Please do detailed comparison between Twitterific, Twittelator, and Twinkle.
chris said 5:03PM on 7-18-2008
Just downloaded it for ipod touch but im unable to retrieve messages from twitter *possibly twitter problem* but im still getting them in from twitterific so im guessin its Twinkle.... but it runs smoother then twitterific so far *no crashes*
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oli61 said 5:02PM on 7-18-2008
The best feature of Twinkle: You can upload images from the iPhone. I don't think, Twitterific has this feature.
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Daniel said 5:05PM on 7-18-2008
you can post photos from twitteriffic.
anyone else getting an 'Unknown Server Error' when trying to post from twinkle?
oli61 said 5:12PM on 7-18-2008
@Daniel: Oh, that's true. One little advantage for Twinkle though: It an use existing images, not only new ones.
setec said 5:08PM on 7-18-2008
Loved this on the Jailbroken phone. However, please allow an option NOT to use the tapulous network for messaging when twitter is down. Otherwise, I never know when I am sending to twitter or not. I don't want my msgs scattered about.
Still love the app, just needs tweaking.
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Tristan OTierney said 7:43PM on 7-18-2008
We queue your message on our server until Twitter is back up, then send it once it is. This is a feature, not a failing :)
kiwinerd said 5:11PM on 7-18-2008
I apologize in advance for being the grammar nitpicker, but "it's" is equal to "it is". You needed to use "its" for the possessive. For a reminder, bookmark
http://www.angryflower.com/itsits.gif
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Makki said 5:22PM on 7-18-2008
I have tried it out today and it kept on giving me a unable to post server error. I do not like this app as much as twitterific.
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christapher said 7:23PM on 7-18-2008
I got a message today saying they were down to roll out bigger servers. I used this app last night and it was PERFECT. I'm really in love with it.
I tried all the others that had big blaring annoyances and this I only have two smaller ones:
1. inability to trash your own tweets - I made a typo, had to delete it on twitters website, and its still floating around in tapulous
2. the inability to block users on the 'near me' tab. By the end of last night, half the local tweets were 'Yo, anyone in ____ wanna hook up?' 'SUP TWINKS!? N E 1 WANNA CHAT?' and 'yo chack out my band!' all spammed by 16 year olds.
The best thing is the little fail whale graphic when you cant connect :) makes the disappointment a little easier.
Anyway, wait for the servers to come back up and give it another shot!
CaptSaltyJack said 5:26PM on 7-18-2008
Whoa whoa whoa! Bad timing, guys. It's important to note that Twinkle is having server issues at the moment, due to way way too many people accessing the server.
They're working on it. This isn't a good time to judge the app. Give it some time and try again, it's really a great app and is very addictive.
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