Twitter tweaks site to give users more info

Computerworld - Twitter is shaking things up again.

Just a couple of days after Twitter got rid of its old interface, the microblogging site unveiled a partially redesigned version of its website. Two new features, which were rolled out Wednesday, are intended to help users find what they're most interested in on the site.

The change comes on the heels of Twitter doing away with its old interface, which had been online along with a new interface that was introduced early last fall. So after just two days, the new Twitter (#NewTwitter) quickly became the old Twitter with yet another redesign taking over.

According to a Twitter blog post, the changes are being rolled out, although the company did not specify how soon all of its users would have them. As of late Wednesday, they were not fully rolled out, and there has been no indication that an old version of the site will remain online along with the updated interface.

The redesign is focused on two new features.

"The first new feature offers a simple way to see what's happening on Twitter in relation to you," the company said in the blog post. "You can now see when someone favorites or retweets one of your Tweets. You can also learn which Tweets are most interesting and inspiring to the people you follow."

Users now can click on the new tab with their @username to see which of their tweets are favorites, along with which of their tweets have been retweeted and if any tweets have been directed right to them. The new tab also will show users who their new followers are.

The second feature, dubbed the Activity Tab, shows users the latest favorites, retweet and follows from the people they follow on Twitter.

"It's easier than ever to explore Twitter, connect with people and discover what's happening around the world," the company said.

Sharon Gaudin covers the Internet and Web 2.0, emerging technologies, and desktop and laptop chips for Computerworld. Follow Sharon on Twitter at @sgaudin or subscribe to Sharon's RSS feed . Her e-mail address is sgaudin@computerworld.com.

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