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Tapbots shuts down Tweetbot as it pivots to Mastodon
Tweetbot has shut down due to Twitter's ban on third-party apps, but a Mastodon client is taking its place.
Tweetbot 6 arrives for iPhone and iPad with a subscription model
It also clarified that Tweetbot 5 owners can use Tweetbot 6 for a year without paying the subscription.
Tweetbot falls victim to Twitter's incoming developer changes
We've known for a long time that Twitter's third-party apps would bear the brunt of the platform's API revamp, and even though those changes aren't due to come into effect until tomorrow, they're already causing trouble. Today's update to Tweetbot for iOS has hastened many of the issues developer Tapbots previously feared. Automatic timeline refreshing is now disabled, so no more real-time updates. Its Apple Watch app is gone, and push notifications for mentions and DMs will be delayed by one or two minutes, while push notifications for likes, follows and quotes has disappeared completely.
Tweetbot 3 carries the torch for Twitter users on Mac
Twitter hasn't exactly been kind to Mac users, dropping its main app and leaving TweetDeck to languish, but that doesn't mean you're without modern options. Tapbots has released Tweetbot 3 for Mac with several improvements that both keep up with Twitter's latest developments and providing a decided advantage over the web version. You now have advanced filters your timeline (say, including a vital topic or excluding an annoying trend), and videos will auto-play when previews are turned on, much as they are with Twitter itself.
Tweetbot makes it easier to go on Twitter rants
Tweetbot 4 brought some much needed features to the third-party Twitter client, such as a Stats and Activity Tab plus a revamped iPad app. Now there's a new version that'll be sure to please those who love to post a whole bunch of tweets in a row. Usually on Twitter you have to either use a hashtag or manually reply to yourself if you want related tweets to appear in a single chronological thread. The latest Tweetbot 4, however, has introduced a new feature called Topics, which lets you group together those tweets way, way easier.
Tweetbot now does justice to Twitter on your iPhone 6
Tweetbot 3 for iOS is frequently regarded as one of the better mobile Twitter apps, no matter the platform -- it's full of shortcuts and visual flair that most clients (including Twitter's own) sorely lack. It has been lagging on support for Apple's latest developments, however, which makes today's version 3.5 update pretty important. The interface now scales properly on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, giving you much more screen real estate when you're browsing tweets. There are also a few noteworthy upgrades that apply to everyone, including interactive notifications, sharing sheets and support for fetching your login from 1Password. It'll cost you $5 to get the new release if you don't already use Tweetbot, but it might well be worth the outlay if the free Twitter apps aren't quite cutting it.
Tweetbot 3.1 for iPhone brings back classic features, adds quick actions
When Tapbots released Tweetbot 3 for the iPhone last month, it took two steps forward and one step back -- a slew of older features didn't make the cut. The developer is quickly making amends with its 3.1 update, however. The refreshed Twitter app restores the option to set list as the active timeline, as well as OS-independent text size controls. There's also something truly new -- a quick action shortcut lets power users trigger definable tasks with a shorter-than-usual swipe. While there's still no corresponding iPad update, iPhone- and iPod-toting socialites can grab 3.1 now from the source link.
Tweetbot 1.3 for Mac adds media timeline, support for cover images
Tapbots' Tweetbot for Mac already has a reputation as the desktop Twitter client for media hounds, but a just-posted 1.3 update should make that especially clear. Like its iOS counterpart, the Mac app gains a dedicated media timeline: start a search and you can spotlight only photos and videos. There are a few perks for the vain among us, too. Tweetbot now supports profile cover images, and a redesigned tweet layout shows the counts for those inevitable favorites and retweets. So long as $20 isn't too much to pay for a dedicated social networking tool, 1.3's greater media savviness is waiting at the Mac App Store.
Tweetbot iOS app update brings new media timeline, redesigned image viewer
Twitter client Tweetbot showed its support for Flickr and Vine in the last update to its iOS apps, and making media easier to consume is again a focal point in newly released version 2.8. Debuting with the update is the "media timeline" -- a feed option which'll only shows tweets that include pictures or video. Also, the in-app image viewer has been treated to a full redesign and among the obligatory bug fixes, issues plaguing Instagram previews have been addressed. The update isn't all about pics and clips, though, as the tweet detail view has now been amended so it shows favorite and retweet figures. If you haven't yet received the update, you know where to go. Alternatively, if you don't use the client but like the idea of putting eye-candy in the spotlight, then Tweetbot can be had for $2.99 from the App Store.
Tweetbot for iOS outs pirate users
A lot of us at TUAW use Tapbots' wonderful Tweetbot iPhone app to feed our mobile Twitter habit. The US$2.99 price tag is apparently off-putting to some iPhone users who want the excellent features of Tweetbot, but would rather pirate the app than pay three measly bucks for it. Gizmodo UK has discovered that Tapbots now has a way to get revenge on those jailbreakers who are pirating the app -- those pirated copies automatically insert the following phrase into the compose field: A quick search on Twitter shows that the messages appeared to have peaked a couple of days ago and have since tailed off, so either the shamed pirates are now deleting the message and getting on with their evil ways, or someone has figured out how to remove the "offending" string from the pirated version of the app. Many loyal Tweetbot users are publicly applauding Tapbots' response to piracy, especially since those pirates are chewing up the company's Twitter token allotment. This isn't the first time a developer has tried to shame pirates; Enfour had its plan backfire when it attempted to call out pirates on Twitter and accidentally burned a few valid users of its dictionary apps in the process.
Tweetbot for Mac updated, adds user-specific notifications, Vine and Flickr previews and more
Following on the heels of the recent update for the iOS version, Tweetbot -- the Twitter client for iOS and Mac -- has today updated its Mac app to version 1.2, bringing a host of welcome new features. Most notably, the new version of Tweetbot for Mac brings user-specific notification (disable or enable notifications for specific users) and thumbnail support for Vine and Flikr. Other highlights in the update include UI tweaks, support for adding .mp4 video to tweets and the ability to drag images or .mp4 video into the app icon to create new tweets. For all the details on the update, check out Tweetbot on the Mac App Store. The update is available now for existing Tweetbot users, through Software Update on your Mac or via the Mac App Store, or you can purchase Tweetbot for Mac on the Mac App Store right now for US$19.99. [via MacStories]
Tweetbot for Mac adds thumbnail support for Vine and Flickr
Roughly two weeks ago, Tweetbot for iOS was graced with in-line viewing of Flickr and Vine content, and now the Mac app has gotten a similar treatment with thumbnail support for both services. Version 1.2 of the client not only accommodates the 6-second films, but it brings a slew of other changes and a handful of bug fixes, to boot. Now, users can opt in for notifications when tweets are sent out from specific Twitter accounts, and can start writing messages by dragging videos or images to the app's icon. Tapbots has also tuned the application to play nice with MP4 files and to allow for account reordering in the preferences section. In addition, the software now uses version 1.1 of Twitter's API and sports a tweaked UI that complies with Costolo and Co.'s new visual requirements. Come March 5th, older versions of Tweetbot for Mac will give up the ghost thanks to Twitter's API changes, but upgrading to the fresh release (or future versions) will ensure your social networking will go uninterrupted. Click the bordering source link for the download and complete changelog.
Tweetbot for iOS adds in-line Flickr and Vine viewing
Whatever the platform, Tapbots' Tweetbot is known for supporting in-line content viewing that doesn't always appear in other Twitter clients -- it's a survivor of the Instagram-Twitter fallout, for example. With the launch of version 2.7 updates for iOS, the app may have microblog media well and truly covered. The upgrade adds easy Flickr viewing, to accommodate Instagram exiles, as well as quick peeks at Vine's 6-second video loops. Third-party app integration likewise expands its boundaries: links can now open in either 1Password or Chrome, instead of Safari. Both the iPad and iPhone releases are live today, so hit the relevant links to see the imagery you might have been missing. [In-photo image credit: Steve Kovach, Vine]
Tweetbot 2.7 for iPhone adds Vine, Flickr previews
The awesome Twitter client from Tapbots has just been updated. Tweetbot 2.7 for iPhone (US$2.99) adds some welcome additions that make it easier to take advantage of some video and photo sharing services. If you've downloaded and installed the Vine app for sharing video clips with others, you're going to love Tweetbot 2.7. The update now provides inline viewing support for Vine and photo sharing app Flickr. Some of us don't use Safari on our iOS devices, preferring the Google Chrome browser instead. Now Tweetbot settings provides a way to select your favorite browser to open links in. Finally, users can tap and hold a link and select "Open in Chrome". The release notes also state that there's an ability to open links in 1Password, although that's only true for versions 4.0 and later of the secure password keeper app. The update is available for immediate download for existing users of the app.
TweetBot for Mac updated to 1.01, adds support for Reading List and j/k navigation
TweetBot for Mac has been updated with just a .01 version, but the update still adds in some pretty powerful functionality. First of all, the update makes TweetBot compatible with Apple's Reading List service, so you can now add content to your Safari Reading List directly from the Twitter client. There are a number of improvements added as well, and finally, TweetBot has added in something called "j/k navigation," where you can use your j and k keys to head up or down your tweet list. I am actually a big fan of this kind of navigation -- I use it to go through Google Reader all the time, so having it available on TweetBot will be a nice bonus. TweetBot for Mac is available on the Mac App Store right now for $19.99. [via RazorianFly]
Netbot 1.1 offers push notification, post search
App.net fans rejoice! The best iOS app for Twitter's competition just got better, as Tapbots, LLC has released an update to their Netbot app (US$4.99 for iPhone, $4.99 for iPad). TUAW reviewed Netbot 1.0 a few weeks ago, and the app provides the familiar Tweetbot user interface to the ad-free and open alternative to Twitter. The update to Netbot 1.1 provides push notifications -- users can choose to receive notification of mentions, reposts, stars or follows. Tapbots built a handy Test Notification System button into the app, providing a way to insure that you're receiving notifications. The other big new experimental feature is the addition of post search capabilities. From what I've seen so far, this feature works well. Tapbots also notes that they've added "various other fixes and improvements" to Netbot.
Daily Update for October 18, 2012
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
Tweetbot for Mac arrives on the OS X App Store ... at a hefty price
Tweetbot is the favorite iOS Twitter client of many of the TUAW bloggers, and some of us have jumped on the App.Net client -- Netbot -- from developer Tapbots as well. Tweetbot for Mac has been in beta for quite a while, and now the app is available on the App Store for US$19.99. In this post, I'll provide a first look at this long-awaited Twitter client. To start with, let's get the app price out of the way. Yes, $19.99 is a lot of money to spend on a Twitter client, especially when Twitter makes one available for free and there are plenty of other clients out there that are less expensive. Well, Paul Haddad of Tapbots puts it this way: Because of Twitter's current "token limits" [discussed here], we only have a limited number of tokens available for Tweetbot for Mac. These tokens dictate how many users Tweetbot for Mac can support. The app's limit is separate from, but much smaller than, the limit for Tweetbot for iOS. Once we use up the tokens granted to us by Twitter, we will no longer be able to sell the app to new users. Note, however, that Tapbots will continue to support Tweetbot for Mac for existing customers at that time. Because of this limit and our desire to continue to support the app once we sell out, we've priced Tweetbot for Mac a bit higher than we'd like. We know that this will disappoint some of you, but it's the best thing we can do for the long term viability of the product. If you've used the Alphas/Betas and decided not to purchase please do us a favor and "Revoke access":https://twitter.com/settings/applications; that frees up extra tokens for potential customers. If you'd like to encourage Twitter to raise or eliminate Tweetbot for Mac's token limit, feel free to let them know here:"https://twitter.com/support". So, how does the app stack up? First, comparing it to the official Twitter app is basically unfair to Twitter. Tweetbot for Mac responds quicker than the Twitter app and provides many features: Mute filters for keywords, hashtags, people, or clients Retweets by others The ability to shoot a new avatar photo in-app and more. %Gallery-168618% It's the user interface of Tweetbot for Mac that makes all the difference. To look at the detail of a tweet, you do a two-finger swipe to the left on a trackpad. To view a conversation, it's a two-finger swipe to the right. With Tweetbot, picture thumbnails are shown in tweets where possible; in the official Twitter app, all you're going to see is a link. A click on the Tweetbot picture thumbnail brings it up in full size for easier viewing, and the images load very quickly. If you're currently a fan of Tweetbot for iPhone or iPad, getting Tweetbot for Mac is a no-brainer. Yeah, the $20 price tag is steep (our colleague Chris Rawson notes that it's the same price Apple charges for upgrades to Mountain Lion), but if you're a hard-core Twitter user you deserve this app. While you're at it, send your note to Twitter's support people to have them eliminate the token limit for Tweetbot for Mac.
TweetBot for Mac reaches the Mac App Store, keeps the 3rd-party Twitter client flame alive
When Twitter put out its strict new API guidelines, there was some doubt as to whether or not third-party clients like Tapbots' Tweetbot for Mac would even make the cut -- the user caps and other curbs on unofficial apps potentially made it tough to develop competition around a different (and possibly better) experience. That makes today's official appearance of Tweetbot in the Mac App Store as much symbolic as it is practical. While there won't be many significant shocks for those who've been participating in Tweetbot's alpha and beta stages, the finished version gives everyone running OS X Mountain Lion a major and sometimes more advanced alternative to official choices, such as TweetDeck, as well as existing third-party options like Twitterrific. A $20 price doesn't make Tweetbot the cheapest way to buck convention by any means, but it might be worth the investment if you're already committed to Tapbots' iOS apps or want to make a statement on the value of third parties in an ecosystem.
First Look: Tapbots releases Netbot App.net clients for iPad, iPhone
Tapbots, the developer behind the wildly successful Tweetbot Twitter app, has just released Netbot (US$4.99 each for iPad and iPhone). The new apps are clients for the App.net social network, seen by many as an ad-free and open alternative to the increasingly restrictive Twitter. I had a chance to load Netbot on my iPad during lunch today, and for anyone who is used to Tweetbot, you'll be right at home with the app. The gestures are similar, the UI is very familiar, and just some of the names have been changed -- i.e., "post" and "repost" as opposed to "tweet" and "retweet" in Tweetbot. As with Tweetbot, you can sync the most recently read posts and settings via iCloud with a single tap. It's a nice feature if you have multiple devices running Netbot, as you can switch from one to the other without having to scroll through previously read posts. One very cool feature is that you can cross-post from App.net to Twitter using this app. That's great for those of us who use both services, but don't want to have to re-enter messages. That feature eluded me for a few minutes until I discovered in Settings > Twitter that I somehow hadn't allowed Netbot to have access to my Twitter accounts. Some commenters are already bemoaning the fact that not only is Tapbots "forcing" them to purchase two more apps -- in addition to Tweetbot for iPad and iPhone -- but raising the price to $5 from the $3 Tweetbot price. Personally, I think anyone who has spent their $36 (recently lowered) for a year of App.net service can probably afford to spend 10 bucks for a couple of apps. Tapbots is not in the business of making friends; they're in the business of writing great apps to make money. A more complete review will be coming soon; in the meantime, enjoy the screenshots (iPad version) of these new additions to the Tapbot family in the gallery below. %Gallery-167429%
