LinkedIn launches iPad app

The professional social networking site LinkedIn today launched an application especially tailored for iPad users.

LinkedIn said the app’s core functionalities include features to sync users’ calendar, view and edit profile information, and access timely and relevant news. The LinkedIn iPad app is now available for download in the app store.

The release is an extension of LinkedIn’s initiatives to reach out to its growing mobile audience. According to LinkedIn, more than 22 per cent of the traffic it receives comes from mobile devices. Last August, the site completely revamped its iPhone, Android and mobile Web products.

A press release from LinkedIn said the company recognizes that its members use their iPads heavily during the morning and evening hours. “This coffee & couch behaviour is so pronounced that we designed our new app to make every professional feel like they have their own personal assistant,” the release said.

The app also incorporates a calendar tool with LinkedIn features. This enables users to access information they need for an upcoming meeting and gives them an idea of trending and timely news that is impacting their industry, career changes and what coworkers are sharing, liking, and commenting on.

Besides a search box to help you find professionals on LinkedIn, the iPad app is broken down into three main areas:

1) All Updates: Provides snapshot of user’s professional updates, news, and information all in one place.
2) You: Access to user profile, connections and activity dashboard with a quick swipe.
3) Inbox: Feature that lets users send and receive their LinkedIn invitations and messages in one place.

The calendar feature is also included with the LinkedIn iPhone (iOS 5 or newer required) and Android apps.

Nestor Arellano is a Senior Writer at ITBusiness.ca. E-mail him at [email protected], follow him on Twitter, connect on Google+, read his blog, and join the IT Business Facebook Page.