How to Test New Twitter Features (and Help Fix Them Permanently)
Hate Twitter? Tired of seeing broken tweets? Do you have long-standing gripes with the interface? Are you annoyed by Trump’s pointless tweets?
Well, you may not be able to solve all of these problems, but you can do your part. This week Twitter announced the launch of a “prototype” beta program for Twttr, which focuses on changes to responses and the way users interact. The program is open to the public, but you will need to apply to be accepted.
Here’s everything you need to know about joining Twitter’s new beta mode, which includes colored tweets (!):
What changes are there?
While Twitter hasn’t provided any screenshots of its new interface, some of the changes include indented rounded responses so they look more “approachable” and ” chat-like ” (which will look a bit like direct messages as they appear now). Conversations will also be color-coded to make it easier for you to distinguish the original tweet of the poster in gray from all users who replied in blue.
Perhaps the biggest change is that the sharing and participation options will also be hidden from view when you view your timeline. You will need to click on the tweet to view it in prototype mode.
Are these changes good?
Certainly. Based solely on reading these changes, they will look more like text messages (and it is a good idea to distinguish the original posters from the replies). However, hiding the interaction is a bold move. Sometimes you want to see popular tweets for a reason, and hiding it from normal view will hide it (how will I follow the latest memes ??)
How can I apply?
You can apply via the Twitter application form . According to TechCrunch , they only accept a few thousand applicants, most of whom will be English-speaking and Japanese. If accepted, you will receive an email in the coming weeks.
Once invited, you can submit feedback using a closed form or tweet the support staff.
Will these changes be rolled out to all users?
Maybe! If you join the program, declare your support (or disregard for) the new features, and you may very well see some of these changes on Twitter in a few months.