Wednesday was an exciting day to be an Apple fan, but not so much for iPad users (save for that brief iOS 4.2 preview). All of that changed when the clock struck midnight and Twitter released an update to their official app, bringing universal compatibility.

Not so ironically, Twitter users lit up like a Christmas tree early Thursday morning with the news that the official Twitter app has been updated and is now a universal app, bringing the best possible experience for the iPhone/iPod touch and now the iPad. Before you go thinking this is a simple port of the previous iPhone version, read on.

The official Twitter app now uses moveable panes for the iPad version, allowing you to manipulate content with your fingers -- swipe them left or right to move, cover or expose other panes below.

“Twitter for iPad brings your tweets together with web pages, photos, videos and more,” the app’s updated description reads. “Tap on any tweet and a related content pane will open, displaying any linked content from the tweet, including web pages, profile information, hashtag searches and similar users. Slide panels from side to side and quickly navigate through related content.”

The universal app also allows for a couple of ways to quickly peek inside a tweet: By pinching on a tweet to unfold related information and actions, or by using two fingers to drag on the tweet and reveal replies.

Twitter fans were quick to tweet their praise for the update overnight, calling it the best Twitter app for iOS by far. It will be interesting to see how competitors will now step up their game to challenge the official app, especially when many of them are still charging while Twitter’s own app is free.

The new Twitter 3.1 update is now available from the App Store and as always, is absolutely free. The 5.2MB download requires iOS 3.1 or later is compatible with the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

Follow this article’s author, J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter



(Video courtesy of MacRumors)