I’m really looking forward to the next release. I still think Hahlo is the best client for twitter.
[pretty cool to see my tweet at the top there too].
(via 10 things you should know about Hahlo 4)
1. Its all new and shiny.
I’ve started from scratch, part of the reason its taking a while to complete, the existing Hahlo 3 code has been added to and modified so many times that its become unmanageable so it was back to the drawing board with some early advice and guidance from Neil around better ways to structure my code. The new system allows for things to be added/removed/changed easily across the whole site without having to modify a dozen files. It should also make thing more consistent site-wide.
The backend is all new, and so is the front end. It still has the same feel that your used to but its been refreshed and has several great additions which I’m sure you’ll all love.
2. Extra level of navigation.
On most screens you’ll get a row of quick access navigation options, as shown in the screenshot below, these allow you to quickly switch between related pages. for example when view a users profile, you have quick access to the timeline, their favorited tweets, and a one click twitter search on their username.
3. Retweet
Retweeting might not be everyone’s thing, but I’ve had so many request for it over the past 18 months that I’ve finally added it. Depending on testing feedback I may add an option so that you can hide this button if you’re not the kind of user that requires retweeting (like myself).
4. Get all you @ replies.
By default twitter only counts tweets that begin with @username as replies, yet quite often people will include @username elsewhere in a tweet assuming you’ll see it. Well, now you can using the twitter search api to retrieve every tweet that mentions your @username.
5. Search trends.
Again, I’ve had a number of requests for this in recent months and its a great way to see what the most popular thing people are talking about across the twitter globe. Each topic links off to a search so you can check out what everyone is tweeeting.
6. Revised user timeline pages.
These will now include some extra details about the user in question, including their location and personal url. Best of all you can tap their location to instantly do a location based search for what other people are tweeting from around that location.
7. More powerful options.
I’ve got several new options planned, most of which I haven’t implemented yet, but as you can see on the screenshot below you will be able to globally turn auto-refresh on or off. Auto refresh will now be available across around 90% of the site, and you will also be able to choose how often it refreshes.
8. OAuth.
One of the main reasons Hahlo 4 has been delayed is that I’m waiting on more details about access to the OAuth beta program. I feel that its best to release Hahlo 4 with OAuth from the beginning instead of releasing with the current auth system and then having to rework everything sometime after launch.
9. Can I still request a feature.
Yes, of course, I’m always open to suggestions. I’m making use of Uservoice to collect ideas for Hahlo 4, you can pop over to http://hahlo.uservoice.com/ to make your suggestions. For any other feedback etc please go to http://getsatisfaction.com/hahlo.
10. When will it be released and how can I test it.
There is no set date as yet, as mentioned above it kind of depends on when info about the OAuth support is released and how long it takes me to implement it – not to mention finishing all the other parts. As soon as I’ve decided on a release time you’ll all know about it. Make sure you are following @hahlo o twitter to get all the updates.
As for testing, well ts not ready for testing yet. I’ve got an exclusive short list of people who will may get early alpha testing, possibly prior to OAuth implementation. One OAuth is up and running a beta release will be available to all those who nominated or voted for Hahlo in the shorty awards, plus those who’ve donated over the past couple of years.
UPDATE: 11. The browser back/forward buttons will now work.
A long standing complaint about Hahlo was that you couldn’t use the back/forward browser button to easily go back where you came from, this was all due to the ajax nature of the interface. But now, thanks a jQuery plugin, the back/forwards navigation works, and works well.
