One of the most popular Twitter clients for Windows Mobile is Twobile (pronounced “Twoh-bul”). Why is it so popular?
Utilising a typical Microsoft Windows Mobile user interface, Twobile isn’t suitable for users who prefer to interact with their mobile device via thumb or finger. If you’re happy to use your stylus however, read on. Note that Twobile is suitable for touchscreen Windows Mobile 5 (or later) devices only.
Equipped to allow the user to update their Twitter status on the move, Twobile is easy to install and configure, and can realistically be ready to use within minutes of downloading.
To acquire Twobile, visit the home page at www.infinitumsoftware.com/twobile. Twobile connects directly to the Twitter service (so your information is not shared with any third party), and utilises all of the various functions offered by Twitter. Other applications concentrate on Twittering and replying, so what Twobile offers is literally a mobile version of the full desktop Twitter client.
The Twobile download is a 252kb CAB file, and can be downloaded either via the mobile browser or on via desktop PC. For downloads via desktop, the CAB file will need to be copied over to the Windows Mobile device via Microsoft Activesync.
On your mobile device, browse to the file and select the CAB file to run. This will then install Twobile to your Windows Mobile device to the location specified. The installation takes up 1 MB of space.
Once installed, run Twobile and head straight for Menu > Settings. Here your Twitter account credentials can be entered on the Account tab (don’t have a Twitter account? Visit www.twitter.com to set one up!), while various configuration options can be set on the General tab; the Tabs tab allows selection of the different screens available in Twobile, such as whether or not to display Favourites or Public Timeline.
Using Twobile to update your Twitter status or make announcements is as fiendishly simple as any of the desktop clients.
Simply click on the My Info tab, and enter your message – then click Update, and you’ve just just Twittered (Windows Mobile 6.1 TouchFlo 3D users should note that the thumb controlled keyboard is sadly lacking for use with Twobile – many of the text entry areas are obscured by the virtual onscreen keyboard).
Twobile isn’t my favourite Twitter client for Windows Mobile – that would be Tiny Twitter which runs smoothly, quickly and attempts to replicate the feel of a desktop Twitter gadget.
Twobile also runs smoothly and quickly, but has no need to look like anything other than a Windows Mobile application. It is solid, well written and communicates directly and quickly with the Twitter network. If you’re looking for a complete Twitter client for your Windows Smartphone or Pocket PC, Twobile is the perfect choice, and comes with my recommendation.