Twitter has released TweetDeck 3.0.2 for Windows, a major new build of its desktop Twitter client. The new release adds support for minimising the application to the Taskbar Notification area, plus unveils a new layout, followers column and additional search filters.

TweetDeck is designed to make it easier to track real-time conversations as well as monitor specific Twitter feeds or hashtags through the use of a multi-columned layout. Users can also access TweetDeck via their browser using its web-based app, which also recently gained a redesign.

TweetDeck 3.0.2 opens with a design refresh that Twitter describes as a “cleaner look”, stripping back the interface to provide a more user-friendly experience with extra space for columns and tweets.

TweetDeck 3.0.2 for Windows unveils a new design and simpler navigation.

As part of this redesign, users can now easily switch between columns using the icon-based sidebar that has been moved from the top of the TweetDeck window to the left. The sidebar also supports drag-and-drop reordering of columns, simplifying this process further.

When adding new columns, a new Followers option has also been added, allowing users to quickly review the Twitterati who are following them, plus take further action from following back or blocking to sending direct messages or tweets. The design tweaks mirror those unveiled last week at https://web.tweetdeck.com.

Version 3 also adds a number of new search filters – including the ability to filter by media or retweets, plus supports minimising to the Taskbar’s Notification area via a new icon. TweetDeck 3.0.2 is available now as a freeware download for Windows, along with TweetDeck 2.7.1 for Mac OS.