LinkedIn releases iPad app

Finally, iPad users can get LinkedIn. And the app for this tablet, released Thursday, really is more than a reformatted iPhone app.

The app was designed with the functionality of the iPad and users’ tablet tapping mostly in the morning and evening in mind, according to a blog post from LinkedIn. The layout is a bit reminiscent of Flipboard, with a design that integrates the multitouch navigation of the iPad.

“This ‘Coffee & Couch’ behavior is so pronounced that we designed our new app to make every professional feel like they have their own personal assistant,” it reads.

The opening screen gives you three visual stacks, as seen in the screen shot above -- “All Updates” for professional updates, news and information; “You” to access your profile, connections and activity dashboard and “Inbox” for sending and receiving messages and invitations.

When you click on “All Updates,” you’re taken to a home screen of sorts, that includes stock market and weather information at the top left, with a calendar underneath (if you have that feature selected in settings). To the right, you get updates such as news and who’s viewed your profile and updates from people you’re connected to. You can make your way through additional updates with a right-to-left swipe.

The interface is quite slick, intuitive and user-friendly, right down to the weather report. There’s a calendar feature that allows you to tap into LinkedIn profile data for folks you are meeting with that day -- whether you’re already connected with them or not. It also shows mutual connections.

This feature is also being integrated in the iPhone and Android versions.

Frankly, the app’s got everything you might need. One limitation is that it’s currently available only in English.

In addition to the app, LinkedIn launched a mobile version formatted for Safari. It looks and feels very much like the iPad app, including the way you scroll pages horizontally and open connections or links.

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