Twitter redesigns its web site

MICRO BLOGGING SERVICE Twitter has redesigned its user interface for its millions of users.

Twitter users have woken up to the new look of the web site this morning. The firm has rolled out a new version for both internet and mobile users.

Twitter said on its blog, "Today we introduce a new version of Twitter. We've simplified the design to make it easier than ever to follow what you care about, connect with others and discover something new."

The first thing we noticed is that the layout has changed, and has swapped things around on the web page. Your Twitter feed is now on the right and your profile, who you follow and trends are on the left.

There are four new tabs, which are home, connect, discover and profile. Connect and discover are specifically related to the '@' at-tag and '#' hash-tag symbols commonly used on Twitter.

A new feature is called ‘embedded tweets', which allows users to add any tweet from Twitter to a web site using a line of code. Twitter users can then follow, reply, retweet, or favourite the tweet without visiting Twitter.

In a similar fashion to Facebook, brands will be able to make use of enhanced Twitter profile pages for better promotion and marketing. There's more space for a larger logo and header and certain tweets can be promoted to remain at the top of the page.

You can see the new Twitter interface online, on the mobile web site and on apps for the Iphone and Android. Tweetdeck has also been updated to be consistent and Twitter said it is still working on the app for the Ipad.

The response has been somewhat mixed, with a love-hate type of reaction. One user said, "Can see how #NewTwitter is more accessible to new & occasional users, but for me it's a step backwards. Twitter shouldn't try to be Facebook."

Another user said, "The #NewTwitter is better than the old #NewTwitter".

The changes applied today are just the start according to Twitter, which said, "What we're announcing today is just the beginning. We now have a framework in place that we will quickly build and iterate upon to help users connect with whatever is meaningful to them." µ