WordPress’ iOS app, which was previously quite lacklustre, has now been updated to include many new features, which finally make the app as powerful as the desktop site. The UI has been overhauled, with a sidebar menu interface similar to the one used on the Facebook app.

What’s new in 3.1:

★ Major UI Refresh!
- New sidebar menu for quick navigation.
- Sliding panels on the iPad for greatly improved navigation and ease of use.
- Updated colors and graphics.
- Improved sign up experience.
- New app icon.
★ Support for Post Formats.
★ WordPress.com Reader and Quick Photo added for the iPad.
★ New Simple post preview feature for the iPad.
★ All-new WordPress.com stats.
★ New WordPress.com Friend Finder feature helps you find your friends blogging on WordPress.com.
★ Landscape orientation support throughout the app.
★ Easy access to your site – view it and access the web dashboard right from the app.
★ Last but not least – many reliability improvements and performance tweaks.

The app also includes a link straight to the site dashboard, for more information that isn’t included within the app, but is available on the website. Another big addition is the reader, which sorts out all the blogs you’re following into one comprehensive feed. The WordPress app is available in the App Store here for free.