Twitter for BlackBerry launches in private beta, we check it out
Well aware that 140 characters loving owners BlackBerry does not have the largest selection of Twitter applications, RIM abandoned leaving the task to third party developers and created its own. Released today in a private beta, the APP aims to take advantage of push technology platform and to better integrate Twitter into your message list. Of course, we would do if someone will be able to design a killer app Twitter to Berrys, this must be the pack Waterloo – but she managed to create something that can replace Apps TweetGenius as paid or free feature-packed as those SocialScope or UberTwitter? We are told it will not be available in a public beta for a month or two, but we’ve got your first look after the break.
Twitter for BlackBerry launches in private beta, we check it out
From the second you select the icon of Twitter for BlackBerry from the main menu, it is clear that RIM focuses on the basic functionality. The tabs at the top, it is very easy to view your friends timeline, mentions of direct messages and subjects, even popular, including a picture in your tweet is as easy as selecting the camera icon (you can also see photos tweeted in the APA). It’s all pretty basic, and more bubble that slides up the bottom when you reply to a message, there’s really not much eye candy here. Our only real complaint about architecture is that you can not easily adjust the font size to adapt the latest addition to the screen.
We can live with the simple layout, but not with performance lagging behind. We tested the application under a Verizon Curve 8530 and a 9630 tour and found the solution to be incredibly slow. It took more than six seconds to open our messages direct and four others to see if we again mentioned. That will not cut if for us – although we can forgive the slow Now consider an early beta status, RIM has definitely had work to do for them before they make this thing public. Do not talk about it also plans to add support for multiple accounts, lists and geo-tagging capabilities.
So, is this enough to get away from the TweetGeniuses and SocialScopes the world? Do not get us wrong – we salute the efforts of RIM to officially enter into the dangerous world of 140 characters social networking – but when it comes to integration of a service that can dominate your life with a device intended to simplify, efficiency is not only important, it is vital. Twitter for BlackBerry is just not there yet, this does not mean that we will not see this software better and better over time, but for now we stick to our old standby until Waterloo learn to save gas and get this thing working with a little more steam.
