Twitter updates app with security and search features

Twitter has updated its Android and iOS apps Tuesday with new features to enhance both security and the photo-viewing experience.

The update, now available in the Google Play Store and iTunes Store, respectively, introduces an in-app approval system to better control logins on mobile phones. Now, users with one phone number and multiple accounts can opt all their handles into Twitter's verification system directly in the app, according to a post on the Twitter blog. (Previously, users had to send a text message to verify their account.)

Twitter’s two-step verification is similar to others offered by Google and LinkedIn. Verification codes are stored online and available if a phone is lost or broken; the code is the "second step" in making sure someone unwanted can't log in to your account, with the first step being your password.

To activate the feature, download the update, access your settings and then turn on login verification.

Casual users will also notice the update includes support for photo galleries. A “View more photos” link leads to a photo gallery of related images and is present in search results. Previously, users swiped through thumbnails one by one.

The photo gallery feature could gain traction as Twitter increasingly behaves like a media company and is a central community around breaking news such as the Boston marathon explosions and natural disasters.

In addition to display on search, photo galleries will roll out on user profiles on the iOS app. Apple users can also create, edit and organize their Twitter lists and witness a faster launch when the app is launched.

The update for the Twitter app should be showing up soon. You'll be able to find the Twitter update here for Android, and here for iOS.