Qwitter - App of the month, January 2011

Qwitter is primarily a Twitter client with an impressive list of capabilities. It allows you to use every feature of Twitter, the insanely popular microblogging website, without visiting the website itself. It works with all of the popular screen readers.

Where to get it:

Visit Qwitter's home page

Developed by: Christopher Toth

Platform: Windows

Why is Qwitter App of the Month?

Qwitter has a unique approach in that most of its features are linked directly to your screen reader, it's fairly rare that a Window will appear on screen. The keystrokes you use to control it apply everywhere in Windows, so you can send and receive tweets and direct messages without switching away from that important email you're writing. Even though Qwitter is so closely linked to your screen reader, the keystrokes to control it remain the same regardless of which one you're using.

It recently won the 2010 Mashable award for best use of an Application Programming Interface (an award given for how smoothly Qwitter communicates with the Twitter website through the API). That victory was based on public votes, so we aren't the only people who've been impressed by this app.

User comments:

Michael Wadd says:

I'm a self-certified information addict when it comes to technology. On days when there are big conferences happening, searching for hashtags means I can read about what's taking place at each event firsthand from the attendees. If I need a quick overview of a breaking story from reliable sources, I use Qwitter to interact with the Bing search engine. It allows me to stay current without getting too distracted from my real job.

Danielle McCullough adds:

It's great using Qwitter because it's just always there once running. There's no messing around, trawling through hundreds of windows trying to find what you want.

Tips and tricks:

1. As uncool as this will seem, we strongly advise you to read the manual. Qwitter's approach is unique, but the extremely thorough Readme file will have you up and running in no time.
2. With many features comes many keystrokes, but one in particular is worth commiting to memory. Press Control-Windows-Shift-K once to enter keyboard help mode, where you can hear what each keystroke does. When you're ready, a second press of Control-Windows-Shift-K will exit keyboard help mode.

Got a suggestion?

We want to hear from you, our users. Which apps and websites should we be writing about on the TechKnowMore blog? Is there an app you can no longer live without? What website is at the top of your favourites list?

Drop us an email on DigitalAccess@rnib.org.uk to let us know, and your favourite service could be featured in the very near future!