* Update: More clients have been busting onto the BlackBerry scene as of late including RIMs official Twitter for BlackBerry, so for more Twitter goodness, check out our updated Ultimate Twitter Client Roundup.
It seems that Twitter has made a surge as of late - especially with BlackBerry users. Twitter services have always been available in the form of IM, SMS and WAP - but as every demanding BlackBerry user knows, a powerful easy to use app is the way to go for any mobile service. Until recently, we were stuck with only a few Twitter applications for Blackberry devices such as TwitterBerry and BlackBird. Later down the road TinyTwitter came along, and then there was Twibble which was ported over from the N95. A few weeks ago we got word of SocialScope which shows amazing promise in its early alpha stages, and yesterday our friends at BerryReview let us know about BBTweet. There is also Twitter functionality being worked into a new version of Viigo which we learned about at CES. So if you aren't a Twitter user or just haven't started tweeting from your BlackBerry, here is a quick roundup of the pros and cons to these applications. The best part by far is that they are all free. The tough part is deciding which one is right for you!! Read on for more BlackBerry Twitter client info and let the decision making begin.
TwitterBerry
This is probaby the most well known Twitter application for Blackberry. Its ease of use and clean menu makes it simple for the average user. You can view your friends timeline, public timeline, direct messages and replies. You can also tweak the poll time (how of often the app checks for updates. TwitterBerry has options for alerts which are kind of shaky at the moment. Some users have issues with not being able to turn off the LED without a reboot. Twitpics through TwitterBerry seems to have issues on and off as well. I'm sure updates and fixes are in store for the next release. Check out Ryan's review of Twitterberry 0.8 here. You can download TwitterBerry free from your device browser at http://www.orangatame.com/products/twitterberry/
BlackBird
Probably the simplest Twitter application, Blackbird is a text only client that is really an unknown. Overshadowed by the bigger apps, Blackbird hasn't seen an update since mid 2008. It's text-only interface makes it easy to use however it also lacks features. I used BlackBird at CES as a secondary client and it did get the job done. If you aren't much for fancy looks, seeing your friends avatars and just want the basics, maybe give BlackBird a shot. You can learn more about BlackBird at http://dossy.org/twitter/blackbird/ or visit http://dossy.org/twitter/blackbird/0.4/Blackbird.jad from your mobile browser to download to your device.
Twibble
An import from the Nokie N95, Twibble is geared more towards the Twitter power user. It boasts many options like auto-refresh, keyboard shortcuts, themes and GPS for tweets. Being a ported application, some of the UI layout and menus seem tough to navigate and "busy" in parts, but overall if have the desire for a more powerful application, Twibble may be the way to go. Check out more on Twibble here. To download visit http://m.twibble.de from your device browser.
SocialScope
Only a few weeks into the game, SocialScope has become a hit with the CrackBerry Community. At first it was tough to snag a copy of their alpha, but things seems to have calmed down a bit now and most users have grabbed a copy. SocialScope has the cleanest layout of the Twitter applications, and it also adds in Facebook updates (you can view your friends status updates and update your own). They have a very responsive dev team that takes user feedback well and cranks out quick updates. The UI is easy to navigate and allows options for update interval, retweet, notifications and more. Another cool option is that you can tab users in addition to timelines, replies and direct messages which makes navigation a breeze. Read more on SocialScope here. To get a copy of SocialScope, head over to http://socialscope.net/ and request an invite.
Viigo
One of my favorite Blackberry applications, Viigo announced shortly before CES that it would be integrating Twitter into its long list of features. I had a chance to play around with it a bit and I love where it's at. Being able to cut down on my installed applications and having Twitter functionality in an application I use everyday is a great thing. The interface is easy to use, and Viigo splits up timelines, replies and messages into separate feeds. Viigo will also let you send articles to Twitter in the same way you can email them to friends with only one click. The page then gets formatted to a Viigo URL and when users jump through the link, it shows the posted page with a "Viigo bar" on the top - very cool. It's off to a great start, but still needs a little fixing as far as update interval and having more options. Check out Kevin's look at Viigo with Twitter here. Unfortunately, the new Viigo isn't yet available, but will hopefully be churned out in the next few weeks.
BBTweet
We got word of this one yesterday from our friends at BerryReview. BBTweet is a really cool app (I've only been playing with it for a few hours) that allows you to essentially integrate Twitter with your message inbox. It uses data so it won't eat up your messaging plan, and it makes it easy for casual users to read and reply to Twitter messages without having to learn a new application. It is a really cool application that has many new features in store for future versions. Check it out at http://code.google.com/p/bbtweet/ or download OTA from this link.
Conclusion
Ultimately it's "to each his own" when it comes to Twitter apps on your device. Since they are all free, give them a shot and see what works for you. There are pros and cons to each, but after a little playing around you'll be able to decide which one suits your needs best. I can't help but wonder if one day we'll see RIM partner up with Twitter directly to produce a BlackBerry client - seeing as they have already done so with Facebook and MySpace and Flickr. RIM is big on social networking these days, and Twitter is proving to be HUGE.
If you haven't already, be sure to follow us on Twitter:
Article | 1 hour ago Message to Netflix: BlackBerry does support streaming protected content
Article | 2 hours ago Should QNX just be called BlackBerry?
Article | 1 day ago Deal of the Day: Save 42% on the Incipio OVRMLD Flexible Hard Case for BlackBerry Z10
Article | 3 hours ago Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg take front row for Monaco Grand Prix
Article | 3 hours ago In honor of Memorial Day, receive FREE SHIPPING this weekend at ShopCrackBerry!
Article | 4 hours ago The diamond encrusted BlackBerry Q10 will set you back $31,000
nanpalmero Jan 27, 2009 at 12:55 pm
Hey, @azeis, great work rounding up the BlackBerry Twitter applications. I didn't know about BBTweet, I'll have to give it a look. Looking forward to seeing the future of all of these. Thanks for writing this up!
Cheers,
Nan the Power User - @nanpalmero
Anuj Seth - Twitdom Apr 13, 2009 at 4:00 am
I agree with nanpalmero. Its a wonderful list you've put together.
At Twitdom, we track Twitter applications. We have over 650 Twitter Apps listed currently; this includes some of the apps you've listed above.
At the same time, I've now found a few more to list thanks to your article. :)
SubmitArticle Feb 8, 2010 at 9:48 pm
The application is very useful for me, thank you very much, I would love to explore technology
http://www.submitarticlesseo.com
http://www.vnrao.net Submit Article
Dave Peckens Jan 27, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Nice article @azeis. Uncovered a few questions I had and opened my eyes to BlackBird (installing on test device now). See you in the twitter stream. - @davepeckens
Now what about this RIM Twitter client I've heard about? Any thoughts?
jimmers Jan 27, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Social Scope is the best twitter app for the BB IMO. I just love it. Like Adam mentioned, they are quick with responses to feedback. If you don't already have this on your BB you should give it a try.
On another note, I'm also going to give the BBTweet app a shot. I hadn't heard of it until now so I'll see how it compares to Social Scope. It's going to have some big shoes to fill! LOL
234857 Apr 9, 2009 at 9:30 am
I understand that socialscope is a great app, but I (humbly) wish people would stop saying "you should give a try" because I can't. I want to, as do thousands of others, but it's on closed beta. See ya.
naviwilliams Jan 27, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Nicely done!
I think I'll stick with SocialScope till Viigo is ready...
Kronk Jan 27, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Yet another vote for Social Scope!
syb0rg Jan 27, 2009 at 2:02 pm
why?!?!?
I know why.... the current one sucks
bbunderground Jan 27, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Currently I am testing both @SocialScope and @Viigo, I love the way these apps work, I agree having Twitter Incorporated into Viigo is a great thing and frees up some app space.
I have also heard the RIM, is already working on a built in Twitter client, so we will see how that heats up things.
Loving my twiiter
@bbunderground
come follow me !
Mr Sinister Jan 27, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Why not just go to http://m.twitter.com? It loads super-quickly and is more than enough while on the move.
It's like the Facebook client provided by Facebook - it's complete garbage. Why not just go to http://m.facebook.com? So easy and everything works.
It seems to me that as all these clients have one kind of issue or another, doing anything but going directly to the source seems a bit mad!
shirase Jan 27, 2009 at 2:23 pm
I've only used Twitterberry and SocialScope so far. I'm definitely loving SocialScope's Facebook status integration. Easy to use as well.
Yesterdays Shoveler Jan 27, 2009 at 2:55 pm
"At first it was tough to snag a copy of their alpha, but things seems to have calmed down a bit now and most users have grabbed a copy."
Wish I knew the secret, I've been waiting for my invite request to be answered for quite while now.
Zen270 Jan 27, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Ubiquitous Systems has really soured this one for me. I'm entirely willing to call BS on this one, because when I "registered" for their alpha, there were only 11 comments about SocialScope on Crackberry. I got an email telling me I was one of the first to try out the program, and to standby for an email with a sign-up code shortly thereafter. Two weeks later, and I still haven't received an sign-up code.
So much for the quick response part!
Shawn (sforsyth01) Jan 27, 2009 at 8:46 pm
I have the same socialscope problem...they won't give me the link to download the program.
shirase Jan 27, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Send them a DM.
thorberry Jan 27, 2009 at 4:14 pm
I've never tried twitter because I'm scared :)
Could someone sum twitter up in 2 sentences or less?
Koovin Jan 27, 2009 at 4:31 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddO9idmax0o
ladre09 Jan 27, 2009 at 4:43 pm
When useing SocialScope,my phone hangsup if i leave it running it keeps buffin. Are there anyone having the same problem
Shawn (sforsyth01) Jan 27, 2009 at 8:40 pm
I have tried for 3 weeks to get socialscope and they won't give me a link or anything. They must not care to get it out there too much...must have major problems.
lakerz4lyfe Jan 27, 2009 at 10:43 pm
after reading about it quite a bit I decided to get it. Seems interesting. http://www.twitter.com/lakerz4lyfe
Kelly F Jan 27, 2009 at 11:51 pm
I gave up on Twitter due to its one sided conversations. I would rather see a focus on Plurk apps. Plurk blows away Twitter.
somekindarobot Feb 2, 2009 at 5:04 am
my only real issue with Twitterberry is that it takes so long to update a tweet with a pic that's my only real problem.
bacon4u Feb 3, 2009 at 1:28 pm
I use both TwitterBerry and BBTweet together. With BBTweet I can utilize the data network to drop tweets into my BB inbox and setup separate notifications for tweets. On the other hand, I use TwitterBerry to actually tweet with, see friends timelines, etc.
For some reason, TwitterBerry won't stay running in the background and keep my tweets updated or alert me via notifications. If I do anything else, TwitterBerry closes.
Together I get a nice interface from TwitterBerry and the notifications I expect from BBTweet - plus get them dropped in my consolidated inbox.
That goes to show that like the article says, pros and cons for each. So combine them!
uscguy Feb 3, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Nice round up @azeis! I had to check it out after hearing about it on the last podcast.
I'm a big fan of Twitterberry because, like you mentioned, it is easy to use and has such a clean interface. I am a huge fan of Viigo so I can't wait to check out their integration of Viigo soon. I would much rather have access built into Viigo because that will be one less app I need on my BB.
@smartphonematt
otto Mar 16, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Seems to be full of crap. I signed up ages ago (back in January) and still have never received the link to download.
gameboy213 Mar 17, 2009 at 11:03 am
Never got anything since the middle of Jan
a_and_f Mar 17, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Awesome roundup. I typically stick with TwitterBerry, but I may have to check some others out.
http://www.twitter.com/leighanne1
xmizzmaria Mar 25, 2009 at 2:41 pm
nothing on YATCA?
David Schoenbach Apr 8, 2009 at 12:05 pm
This whole collection of Twitter apps looks great. Viigo's already in the CB software store and App Store, let's get the others in there, too.
To upload, see http://corporate.mobihand.com/sda_dev.asp. Questions, see http://software.crackberry.com/support.asp?page=feedback.
David
MobiHand, Inc.
foreverpest Apr 14, 2009 at 11:25 am
I've seen more than that! I'd like to give an honorable mention to yatca (yet another twitter client app) its pretty and easy… and that's it!
Article Directory Apr 22, 2009 at 5:13 am
Thats awsome.. I am already using twitter from past 2 months and now just a big fan of it..
Miz.Michele May 6, 2009 at 2:03 am
I signed up for twitter just a week ago so this seems like a cool app to try.
mkcawcutt May 13, 2009 at 4:50 pm
So I started out using Twitterberry—and will more than likely switch back to it once they give the LED light. That absolutely drove me nuts.
Currently using Twibble—it's alright, but the menu(s) aren't working properly. Basically I use it to tweet—and have following/followers tweets sent to my phone via text.
BestBuyMobileBBUser May 19, 2009 at 1:21 am
I tried all these and finally settled on Ubertwitter.
Twitter Rocks!!
-@BrandiJ84
--MAkefReeCalLs-- May 23, 2009 at 3:18 am
I use both TwitterBerry and BBTweet together. With BBTweet I can utilize the data network to drop tweets into my BB inbox and setup separate notifications for tweets. On the other hand, I use TwitterBerry to actually tweet with, see friends timelines, etc.
~~MAkefReeCalLs~~
vegos May 26, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Running twitterberry (beta). I have no problems with led, but I can't upload pictures :
@magla
SlimJimTight May 26, 2009 at 6:37 pm
didnt include uberTwitter
uc3571 Jul 31, 2009 at 11:07 pm
YATCA IS A PRETTY GOOD PROGRAM FOR TWITTER ON UR BB!!!!!!!!!
a2thed Aug 12, 2009 at 8:51 am
I love this app and I'm not sure why it's not talked about more. It delivers tweets to your inbox and can reply to tweets directly from the inbox without having to launch an app to do it. It's the best client out there IMO.
txsk8erboi Sep 17, 2009 at 9:27 pm
i've tried twitterberry and i like it alright, but it keeps telling me i have 11 unread notifications and when i really don't. unless i am missing something... which is possible too. i have yet to try any of the other twitter apps, any suggestions?
Hair4u Nov 12, 2009 at 1:24 am
Mr, Sinister said.....
"Why not just go to http://m.twitter.com? It loads super-quickly and is more than enough while on the move.
It's like the Facebook client provided by Facebook - it's complete garbage. Why not just go to http://m.facebook.com? So easy and everything works.
It seems to me that as all these clients have one kind of issue or another, doing anything but going directly to the source seems a bit mad!"
I couldn't agree more....
cuomo456 Jan 4, 2010 at 4:19 pm
This is a year old...maybe an update is due. Seesmic is pretty excellent and not included on this list.
hitman52 Jan 23, 2010 at 2:27 am
i want an invite from social scope been waiting for awhile now
Yadesh_Berri Apr 14, 2010 at 5:09 pm
I notice there is no mention of UberTwitter...I'm not sure quite how well-known it is but that is what I'm currently using on my 8900 and I'm telling u that I had tried some of those aforementioned ones and they have nothing on UberTwitter! Some of the features..? Well it allows geo-tagging on all Tweets (as a choice of course), adding location to each Tweet, u can update you Twitter profile from the app, view Trending Topics, view your followers profiles and ppl u follow, view public as well as friend Timelines, people near you with UberTwitter or who Tweet I cant remember which, Tweet Shrink, URL Shrink< Twitlonger which is an option u have so u can post longer tweets, it has 2 seperate TweetPhoto and another (not Twitpic tho which is the only problem I have with it). Pluus u have the option of adio, visual or vibration notifications wen u get a new Tweet, DM or @replies. Seriously UberTwitter is DA SHYT if u wanna Tweet from your BB. Oh and it can even auto update your Google Talk Status with ur Tweets. Oh yea PLUS, u can send media from your phone directly to UberTwitter 2 b uploaded. Its AWESOME!!! Y'all shud SERIOUSLY check it out. Its on BB App World AND its TOTALLY free! :D