Twitter announced that Twitter for iPad would be available in the app store today, and sure enough it is. It's being rolled out as version 3.1 of the current Twitter for iPhone app. Twitter for iPad really takes advantage of the iPad's larger screen and brings an entirely new user interface to the app.

Similar to the Mail application, Twitter for iPad includes panes. Panes will let you browse a list of tweets to the left and tapping one will show the tweet with more detail to the right. Additionally, if there's a link in the tweet, it will open inline.

On top of Panes is Gestures. Pinching a tweet will show more information about the the author, and reply, retweet, or take other actions. Pulling down a tweet with two fingers will show an entire threaded conversation if it was a reply.

Other than that, it has all the standard features of Twitter for iPhone. Since Loren Brichter, original developer of Tweetie, joined the Twitter Team, he has made possible the extraordinary experience in both Twitter for iPhone and now iPad. Twitter must be very pleased with their acquisition.

Twitter for iPad is available as a free download from the iPad app store.