Linkedin iPhone Update Offers More Functionality

If you had a chance to update your apps today then perhaps you were surprised by an update for  your Linkedin mobile app. The buzz across the media sites is Linkedin’s new shiny app that offers 100% more functionality than the prior version of the app did. For all purposes the prior version was useless. The limited functionality made it one of those apps you had because you hoped, but you just never used. Luckily, following Facebook’s recent app update, the new Linkedin app gives users more of what they want with a few interesting extras.

The layout you might recognize from the Facebook app. I wouldn’t be surprised if that was their inspiration. I wouldn’t necessarily go out and call them copiers, only because with a mobile app there is only so much you can do, and if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Still, the similarity might work in its favor because users will be comfortable with the layout. What separates the old and new is the increased functions of being able to view and answer inbox messages, invite and accept others invitations, browse profiles, search profiles, and most importantly a new additions.

The new addition is the ability to connect with users in your immediate area using your iPhone. The “In Person” selection makes your iPhone a homing device for others in your area how are Linkedin users and whom you might want to connect with. A great piece of functionality for conferences and other large gatherings where you can exchange business cards, but not all cards come with a Linkedin profile attached. I used this from my apartment, and it picked up on a few people nearby. I’m not quite sure on the range, but it seems a pretty worthwhile addition to the lineup.