We had earlier reported on the various additional features such as language translation, geo-location, and Facebook integration included in the HootSuite application for the iPhone. Now further augmenting its language localization which was added in the last update of HootSuite, joining German, Spanish, Japanese and Portuguese are Arabic and Korean.
As an added benefit, HootSuite has created the localized Arabic version to read from right to left. Thus, by introducing the two languages the company has ensured that its Arabic and Korean users can enjoy the interface elements to its fullest in their native language. The app also equips a push notification system via Boxcar that alerts users with a buzz, pop-up or noise on receiving a new message.
In addition, HootSuite for iPhone also brings in OAuth security migration, avatar zooming, push notifications and deeper conversation browsing. The earlier HootSuite update release included a threaded conversation view. However, HootSuite has enhanced this feature by enabling the user to go back into the message strea, and reply and access links from prior messages in the thread. The company has also integrated a new feature that enables users to zoom into their profile photos, to see their entire face in a full screen which could be a convenient add-on during conferences.
On updating to the latest version of the HootSuite app and following the prompts, users can upgrade their authentication scheme to OAuth. OAuth is “An open protocol to allow secure API authorization in a simple and standard method from desktop and web applications.” However, the user must update to OAuth by July 1, 2010, in order to keep HootSuite integrated with Twitter. This is to keep in line with Twitter’s developing systems shifting to the OAuth security protocol. If users want to shorten a link to make it convenient for themselves then they can simply add owly:// to the beginning of the URL in the Safari browser bar. This will immediately generate a message in HootSuite along with the short URL attached to it.
The HootSuite application for the iPhone can be downloaded through the iTunes App Store with its new features integrated in the full version available at a price of $2.99 as well as the Lite version which can be obtained at no cost.