Twitter's prototype app 'twttr' rolling out today: Here's how to install it

At the CES conference in January this year, Twitter had announced that it would be launching a new app, that will be an experimental testing space for new ideas for the platform. Called twttr, the app has started to roll out to the first group of testers today. Twitter announced by way of a tweet.

The name of the app is a throwback to the original name of the platform. The prototype app will be used to test new features for the primary Twitter app.

What is twttr?

Twttr will be a separate prototype app and is meant for testing a new design for conversations. The app will show a different format for replies, where conversations themselves have a more rounded chat-like shape and are indented to be presented in a way that they’re easier to follow. Further, in the new design, the engagements, sharing options and other tweet details will be hidden to give you a more simplified UI. [caption id=“attachment_6104401” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”]  Twitter app for iOS.[/caption] In addition to that, the new design on twttr will also have the color-coded replies, wherein, testers will see different colours designate to the original poster of the tweet, and for users who reply on the posts. This is aimed to make it easier to follow lengthy threads where, often, side conversations take place or the original tweeter steps in with a follow-up or a clarification. Eventually, Twitter will use the prototype app to test out other changes it wants to make to Twitter.

I am speaking to you from the future! pic.twitter.com/MKHZRjV61o

— Bret Taylor (@btaylor) February 28, 2019

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There is no non-disclosure agreement with the prototype app, so testers will be able to share the new changes being worked on with all of us. For the initial testing around the conversation, the hashtag being used is #LetsHaveAConvo, so you can follow that on Twitter for tracking the latest development on it.

How can I be a tester on twttr?

If you want to participate in the programme, you can still apply. Twitter says that it is still accepting participants.

Once you have applied, you should wait for an email from Twitter that will update you on your status of participation. You may also be added to a waitlist. At the moment twttr is only available for iOS users.

you will get an email saying you are on the waitlist pic.twitter.com/jtOqUJEZ48

— Aaron (@aaronp613) March 11, 2019

However, do note, that Twitter has said that not everyone will be accepted to the prototype-app testing program. Only a couple of thousand of English and Japanese speakers will be invited, provided they follow Twitter’s rules. Testers also can submit feedback through an online form.

How do I install twttr?

If you have already been accepted as a tester for the prototype app, Twitter says that the first group of testers will receive an email invite sometime over the next few days. The email contains a link which has all the steps as to how you can download twttr. You will need to be an iPhone user to be able to download the TestFlight app on your phone. [caption id=“attachment_6243121” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”] TestFlight twttr invite which will let you download the twttr app[/caption] You then have to wait for an email invite from TestFlight which will have additional instructions to download the twttr app. After you have downloaded the app, you will need to login to it using your Twitter credentials, and start exploring the app.