LinkedIn overhauls mobile & Web messaging functions, Instagram makes enhancements to Direct

Posted:
in iPhone edited September 2015
Job-based social network LinkedIn began rolling out a redesigned messaging service on Tuesday, incorporating the look and features of popular chat apps like Facebook Messenger. Instagram, meanwhile, made several upgrades to its Direct messaging and sharing functions.




People with access to LinkedIn's messaging redesign will see a streamlined interface, with options for talking to individuals or groups. Previously LinkedIn relied on an email-style interface more suited to brief or one-time exchanges.

While in a conversation users can insert emoji, stickers, GIFs, and other images, or send documents.

All exchanges with a given person are now organized in the same place, and LinkedIn says it has also improved push and email notifications for messages. Some functions, such as sent invitations, have been relocated as a part of simplification efforts.

Initially the redesign will be deploying gradually to users of LinkedIn's Web, iOS, and Android apps, and only in English.

More languages are due in "coming weeks," the company said. In the long term it's considering possibilities like voice and video chat, and a computer assistant that could suggest people to message and provide relevant information.

Instagram Direct gets feed sharing, threaded comments & more




Users of Direct can now share content from their feed as a message, instead of just original photos, Instagram noted in a blog entry. This should eliminate the need to tag a person in someone else's post in order to point them to it, a common sight on the service.

Comments in Direct have been organized into threads, and groups can be assigned custom names.

Lastly Instagram has added emoji support and the ability to quick-reply with a selfie photo.

The new features are available as part of updated mobile apps for iPhone and Android. The iPhone app is a free download for devices with iOS 7 or later.

Comments

Sign In or Register to comment.