Windows 8 has gone without an official Twitter application for nearly 150 days — that's a very long time, especially when most alternatives are premium apps without a free download offering.

The wait is over however, as the official app has finally made it to the Windows 8 Store in style. The new app embraces the Windows/Metro design style that is synonymous with Windows 8, along with supporting specific features such as sharing and snapping. The question is: is this the Twitter application users have been waiting for?

Modern Windows 8 Design Style

Like most Windows 8 applications, Twitter brings to the table the modern design style that Microsoft requires of all apps in the store. The ability is there to search for people and Tweets by using the Search Charm at the right hand top corner. This feature is accessible by swiping from the right, or simply bringing the mouse cursor to either the bottom or top right section of the display.

For those who like to share a Tweet with friends, this feature is supported here. By accessing the Share Charm, users can share a Tweet via email or to a different app with simplicity.

The most useful feature of Twitter for Windows 8 is snapping. If you're using another application but want to have Twitter in view at the same time, simply snap the app to either the right or left side of the display to run it alongside the app already in play. This feature works best with bigger displays; not so much with tablet-size screens unless the resolution is HD.

Similarity in Looks to Other Versions

If you're coming from an Android-based tablet or an Apple iPad, nothing will look strikingly different here. The app has the same layout with the sidebar on the left, and a gray background. The difference lies in the Windows 8 design style font and a few minor changes that are easy to get the hang of.

The Letdowns

Power users might feel left out here, because Twitter for Windows 8 is missing "lists," which means it is not easy for power users to stay updated with their favorite sources, groups or people. Also missing is the ability to post a retweet with a comment and not just the original. This is quite surprising, considering when most Twitter users click the retweet button, they like to add a few lines themselves.

Overall, Twitter for Windows 8 is a capable app. Then again, if not for the snap view feature, we'd recommend several alternatives in the Windows Store.