Today Twitter told me about Brizzly, a new web-based client for Twitter and Facebook users. You connect your Twitter and Facebook accounts to Brizzly and it displays updating content in an auto-refreshing column. You can only view Twitter OR Facebook at a time, but switching back and forth between them is quick and easy. Here are some things I like about Brizzly:
- Since Brizzly is web based, it’s easy to make the text larger so that old folks like me can read it from afar.
- Shortened links are displayed as they were originally entered, so you know what sites you are going to when you click them.
- Photos and videos are displayed inline without having to click to another page. You can also upload them via Brizzly.
- Direct message are displayed in a IM-like notification, are threaded, and have the option to “view” or “shh” it.
- You can maintain your twitter lists, searches and even temporarily mute tweeters you follow.
- Seeing a tweeter’s bio is as easy as a clicking a question mark icon.
- Twitter trends are displayed in the right column and explanations for them are not only accessible, but editable.
- And of course, it is easy to tweet, reply and retweet, and to post and comment/like on Facebook.
I’ve been comparing what I see displayed on Facebook vs Brizzly, and so far nothing has been missing (although I am still completely mystified about the difference between “Home” and “Live Feed” on Facebook. Don’t get me started on that!). So far I haven’t seen anything on Brizzly to indicate that it is contact-based. In other words, I don’t need to be “friends” with people on Brizzly in order to see their posts, like with some other services. That may be added later.
