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Twitter for Android alpha adds app shortcuts and split-screen mode, round icon on Pixel

Android 7.1 launched on the Pixel and as a Developer Preview a little over a week ago. Since then, several third-party apps have already been updated to support the latest system features. Twitter for Android is the most notable, with shortcuts and a circular app icon already in testing on the latest alpha build.

On devices running the current Developer Preview, tapping and holding on Twitter from the homescreen or app drawer reveals three shortcuts: New Message, New Tweet, and Search. The first opens up a pane that allows you to select accounts to start a new DM thread, while the second opens up the usual compose screen.

Search is not the most obvious candidate for a shortcut and one that immediately takes users to the Notifications stream might be more useful. On the Pixel and Pixel XL, this Twitter alpha moves from a square to a rounded icon. In fact, it looks quite similar to the one on Twitter for Mac. This update also adds support for Nougat’s split-screen mode.

Compared to the regular app or even the beta, the alpha build of Twitter is still usable, but more prone to bugs and crashing. Additionally, there is a persistent bug reporter in the notification drawer whenever the app is in the foreground.

Twitter 6.23.0-alpha.491 is available by joining the alpha program or by sideloading the APK.

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Avatar for Abner Li Abner Li

Editor-in-chief. Interested in the minutiae of Google and Alphabet. Tips/talk: abner@9to5g.com