LinkedIn introduced a redesigned app on Thursday called Connected as a tool to keep users in touch with activities related to work.
The app has been developed to be more interactive than its predecessor, the Contacts app, which was launched by the social networking company last year, according to PCWorld. Users will be able to see updates about their connection on their mobile devices in the form of cards that users can swipe through left and right.
Connected provides users with different types of news, such as when someone in their network changes jobs, when a connection is mentioned in the news, and when events like work anniversaries and birthdays will take place, PC Magazine reported.
"We know you'd love to reach out and catch up with everyone in your network over coffee, but that isn't always possible," said David Brubacher, product manager at LinkedIn. "Connected gives you relevant and timely reasons to reach out and keep in touch with the people in your network. This app helps you invest in your relationships today, so opportunities blossom for you tomorrow."
Contacts worked to organize connections so users could stay in contact with employees and business partners. The app served as a virtual personal assistant, putting emails, address books, and calendars together in one location and sending information from past conversations to contacts' profiles.
"You wanted a smarter, easier way to keep in touch with your connections and to strengthen your relationships and that's why our Contacts app has become our new Connected app," Brubacher said.
The app is currently available in English for iOS devices, and LinkedIn is looking to make it available Android and in other languages, PCWorld reported. Another benefit of the app is that users won't have to manually add current contacts again since they'll be shown when users sign into LinkedIn.
Connected is designed for professional use, and does not allow users edit their profiles, follow companies or search for jobs.
The ability to opt into push notifications is also included, letting users receive information in a more timely and relevant fashion.
LinkedIn users can download Connected now for free at the iTunes App Store.
