I realise that last Friday saw the 'official' end of LinkedIn Week here at FreshNetworks, culminating in the launch of our new report about the growth, current use and future direction of LinkedIn.
However LinkedIn has just launched new upgrades to its app portfolio which promise to address the issue of bugs, as well as introducing a new range of features.
Key updates include:
1. Introduction of a news stream
More aligned with other popular social networks, LinkedIn has now introduced a news stream to their app.
At the top of the app you can access information from LinkedIn Today, which contains news sources that users swipe to view or select particular categories. Below the LinkedIn Today strip is the stream of updates, job changes and other information about your LinkedIn contacts.
2. Easy to scan profiles
Say you're about to head to a business meeting and you need some information about the person you're meeting. Or you're at an event and have just met someone you should remember but can't quite place where you would've met them before in your professional life.
The new LinkedIn app allows you to do a a quick scan of people's profiles, as well as connect with them during or after the meeting. You can also check the latest updates from that person quickly and easily.
3. Easier screen navigation
The new apps have a main navigation screen that is clear and easy to navigate. It's also easy on the eye - something not previously the case with LinkedIn apps.
The new app has detailed and intricate icons, including a "name badge" for your individual LinkedIn profile and a mail envelope for your LinkedIn messages. There's also an icon for sending and receiving messages in LinkedIn Groups.
4. HTML5 mobile version
LinkedIn has also launched a mobile HTML5 version of its service. The mobile site is designed for people who don't have the mobile app, or for people who get LinkedIn emails, such as the weekly "network updates". Previously, when people received these emails on a mobile phone and clicked on a person with a new job, they would go to the full website, which is difficult to read. Now people will get sent to an easy-to-read mobile version of the site. Because it uses HTML5, it has app-like features such as swiping through pages too.
5. CardMunch
Ok, so this is not quite a key change as yet, but as mentioned by Forbes, LinkedIn also recently bought CardMunch, an application for quickly scanning business cards and converting them to contacts on your phone. Nothing has been rolled out just yet but it's pretty likely that LinkedIn are working on something that could add even more value to LinkedIn apps.
By rolling out new iPhone, Android and HTML5 apps, LinkedIn are clearly trying to encourage members to think of the platform as more 'everyday service' for professionals to access on the go at the touch of a button, rather than just a tool for recruiters and job seekers.