LinkedIn meet BlackBerry, BlackBerry meet LinkedIn. BlackBerry users are now able to access their LinkedIn profile via the The application will also be available from the BlackBerry App World application soon. This app supports Tour, Curve, and Bold devices running Blackberry OS v4.3 or later.
According to Chad Whitney, the Product Manager responsible for mobile products at LinkedIn:
“LinkedIn for BlackBerry is a continuation of our efforts to help you leverage the power of your professional network anywhere, anytime. Now, you can walk into any interview, any customer engagement or client meeting with the ability to look up the details on over 60 million professionals worldwide, in real-time.”
LinkedIn-Blackberry App Features:
- Search. A unified search that expands across the entire LinkedIn network as well as your direct connections.
- Connections. Access and message any of your connections through your address book quickly and easily.
- Invitations. Headed into a meeting or just leaving an event and want for information on who you are about to meet or have just met? Accept connections directly from your Blackberry and view the profile of your new connection.
- Messages. Never miss an email again by accessing your LinkedIn inbox to send and receive messages from your contacts.
- Reconnect. Build your network easily by inviting new connections or utilizing the suggestions for new connections in this module.
- Network Updates. Have a little time before a meeting or stuck on the tarmac and unable to access your laptop? No problem as now you update your network and see what others are up to as well. Just another way to stay connected and up to date.
BlackBerry Integration
BlackBerry users have enjoyed staying in contact via email, contacts and organized with the calendar and this app takes advantage and integrates these options (for operating system 4.6 or later).
“Native features” of LinkedIn for BlackBerry include:
- Contacts. BlackBerry contacts on LinkedIn? Easily integrate your personal BlackBerry contacts and connect on LinkedIn.
- Messages. LinkedIn invitations and messages get forwarded directly to your inbox (if you have not set this up previously, with this app it is automatic). The profile of the sender is viewable in the email – similar to the LinkedIn integration with Outlook.
- Calendar. Unsure if anyone you know or have a friend in common with anyone attending the seminar you are about to walk into? Now you can view the LinkedIn profile of any attendee of a meeting on your BlackBerry calendar.
As BlackBerry tries to remain competitive with the iPhone and Driod, this is a step in the right direction as we know that loyal Blackbery users remain for the ease of the receiving email and staying in contact.
Will you use this app? What else would you like to see from BlackBerry?
photo credit: Tommy Oshima