Woohoo! For all you social media fiends out there, we’re keeping the updates flowing. Both the Twitter and LinkedIn apps will be receiving an update for BlackBerry 10 smartphones today. The apps will be available for free download in the BlackBerry World storefront. These enhanced apps make it easier than ever to stay connected and do more with your social and professional contacts, while on the go.

I’m sure you can’t wait to check out some of the new features and enhancements you can look forward to when you pick them up. Check out all the details below.

New Features for Twitter version 10.0.3/10.1.3

• Enjoy more content with Universal Search –See more content when you’re searching. You’ll be able to view related profiles, tweets and top tweets, photos and relevant searches all on one page.
• Always Fresh Content – Content that is always fresh and up to date. Automatic caching gives you the current information at your fingertips without having to manually refresh your tabs.

New Features for LinkedIn version 10.0.3/10.1.3

• Find your current contacts on LinkedIn: With the latest update, you can import the personal address book from your BlackBerry 10 device to LinkedIn, making it easier to view and connect to your contacts on LinkedIn.
• UI improvements: We’ve updated the overall design of the LinkedIn application for BlackBerry 10 to improve the user experience. These updates include improved visual styling, better pull down functionalities for refreshes, touch down feedback on clicking list items, and more.
• Follow and learn about companies :An important element of LinkedIn is the ability to connect to companies and subscribe for company related updates and content. The latest version of LinkedIn for BlackBerry 10 allows you to view information about the companies you follow in greater detail, such as:
• How you’re connected
• About
• Jobs
• Similar Companies
• News & Updates
• Other Updates: We’ve made quite a few additional updates to LinkedIn for BlackBerry 10. These include inbox enhancements, deleting and archiving messages, people search improvements, and the ability to update your profile photo from within the app. To get all the details, visit the official app page on the BlackBerry World application storefront.

Do these updates have your mouth watering? Download them now on BlackBerry World: Twitter v10.0.3/10.1.3 and LinkedIn v10.0.3/10.1.3 and let us know what you’re most excited for in the comments below.

Please note the apps may take up to 24 hours to appear in BlackBerry World storefront.

Today, we’re happy to announce that the latest LinkedIn app update for BlackBerry 6 and 7 smartphones is now available for download on BlackBerry World. The new 2.2 version provides more tools to keep you connected to your LinkedIn professional network while on the go. New features to check out include the ability to share updates with BlackBerry Messenger contacts and follow companies.

BBM-Connected Status Updates

BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) has always been an integral component of the BlackBerry platform, providing a valuable communication tool for messaging between friends and business users alike. With the launch of version 2.2, the LinkedIn app for BlackBerry is now integrated with BBM. This allows you to share your LinkedIn posts with your BBM contacts, maximizing the experience over both networks. You will also see LinkedIn updates reflected on the “BBM Recent Updates” screen.

Follow Companies

LinkedIn is a great channel for connecting with companies and receiving information on their products and services, resources, job openings, and other updates. The LinkedIn 2.2 update on BlackBerry enables you to follow the companies you’re interested in by subscribing to LinkedIn company pages.

To download LinkedIn 2.2 for BlackBerry, head on over to the BlackBerry World store front. Note that it may take up to 24 hours for the app to appear, depending on your location. Also, make sure you’re following the BlackBerry company page on LinkedIn for the latest BlackBerry news!

Download LinkedIn 2.2 for BlackBerry 6 and 7 smartphones

What LinkedIn features do you use to stay connected with your professional network? Share with us in the comments section below.

Our LinkedIn Group and LinkedIn Products Page have been abuzz with BlackBerry enthusiasts who rely on BlackBerry to provide solid business devices, and have been waiting to get their hands on the new BlackBerry Z10. Kris Ninnim, Owner and Operator at CK-OMS, writes:

Will Robertson, Product and Services Development Specialist at Bell also provided his positive initial impression:

We’ve also seen some great feedback on Twitter from our @BlackBerry4Biz followers:

@BlackBerry4Biz #BEF13 #BBZ10 Keep moving. Very impressive. Great device to balance work and life.—
Nina G. Caspillo (@ninagcaspillo) February 13, 2013

@BlackBerry4Biz just got my z10 and loving it! Smartphone of the year, 2013. It truly is an outstanding device.—
Tech Man (@techmogulevol) February 10, 2013

Never thought I would type on glass until demoing @BlackBerry Z10 @ BEF13. #incredible—
Michael Grimes (@msgrimes1959) February 04, 2013

To learn more about how you can make the most of every business opportunity with the BlackBerry Z10, check out our video below:

[ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

Have you had the chance to try the new BlackBerry Z10 smartphone? We’d love to hear your first impressions in the comments below or with a recommendation on our LinkedIn products page.

On Twitter, BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 has been welcomed with eager anticipation from the day it was announced:

BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 is out today. The server is free to download and can admin iOS and Android devices too. Pretty impressive.—
Simoη Dingle (@simondingle) January 23, 2013

‏@BlackBerry4Biz We upgraded to #BES10 a couple of days ago. Smooth like butter. blck.by/ViZrwO ^L—
Alan Quarry (@aquarry) January 29, 2013

Well! That was a piece of cake! Installed @BlackBerry4Biz Enterprise Service 10! We are ready for BB10s on Monday! http://t.co/WjSyNQMv—
Neil (@NeilHyndman) February 10, 2013

We’ve also appreciated the feedback we’ve gotten from reviewers on LinkedIn. Todd Striegel, Senior System Support at Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, writes:

K&K Electronics LTD Product Manager Nina Bogdanova also shares positive feedback:

To learn more about how BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 can help your business with management, productivity, and secure interaction with corporate data, check out our interview with Jeff Holleran, Senior Director of Enterprise Product Management at BlackBerry:

[ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

If your organization is using BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10, we’d love to hear from you in the comments below or with a recommendation on our LinkedIn products page.

BlackBerry 10 is launching in less than 24 hours and we couldn’t be more excited. The official launch event will happen simultaneously in multiple cities around the world including New York City, Toronto, London, Paris, Johannesburg and Dubai. Tomorrow we will unveil the BlackBerry 10 platform. To keep you connected to all of tomorrow’s action, we thought it would be helpful to provide a list of all of the BlackBerry social channels where you can get the most up to date information in real time.

How to Stay Connected to the Action

Twitter is a great first stop for real-time information and updates. @BlackBerry will be live-tweeting from the global launch event providing news and updates as they happen. @BlackBerry4Biz will be a great resource for business related announcements and updates, and @BlackBerryDev will provide up-to-date information for developers.

We will also be posting updates throughout the day on our LinkedIn Company Page, and the BlackBerry for Business LinkedIn Group will be a great forum to join in on conversation.

You can also check out our blogs regularly for more in depth updates and information about the newest BlackBerry 10 features:

• Inside BlackBerry
• Inside BlackBerry for Business Blog
• Inside BlackBerry Developer Blog

The Inside BlackBerry Help Blog will also be providing tips, how-tos and walkthroughs.

How to join the conversation

We also want to hear from you. Leave us your initial thoughts on BlackBerry 10 in the comments below. If you’re tweeting, be sure to include the #BlackBerry10 hashtag. We’ll be back tomorrow with updates. Until then, let the countdown continue!

Throughout 2013, the BlackBerry For Business Blog will be featuring a monthly “BlackBerry Business Elite” member who has been an integral member of our BlackBerry For Business social community. Each member of our elite program has been an active contributor on our @BlackBerry4Biz Twitter account, BlackBerry For Business LinkedIn group and an influential member of our online community.

To read more about our first featured BlackBerry Business Elite member, Cameron Stevens – check out his interview below!

Name: Cameron Stevens
Occupation: Technical Resource for support and automation
Twitter Account: @CharlieSierra24

1. Tell us a bit about yourself!

I’m a technology nut, I love working with technology, and always have. My first PC was an IBM PCjr. A few weeks after receiving it I released my first program, a math tutor of sorts written in BASIC. I stuck with technology through high-school and circumvented college almost completely aside from two night school courses that proved redundant in BASIC programming and Local Area Networking. I excelled at proving my value without a formal education and have been a good friend of technology ever since.

2. Why are you a #TeamBlackBerry fan?

I joined #TeamBlackBerry for two reasons, two fundamental features of any technology that will always win me over, reliability and toughness. Technology should be built to last and endure the real world’s demands. My first BlackBerry, an 8900, did very well in those respects and no BlackBerry has let me down yet. Oh, and one more thing…patriotism. As a Canadian, I am very happy to support the brand.

3. What’s your favorite BlackBerry app?

I hate to sound cliché but I can’t really pick just one app that’s my favourite, though BBM communication is very essential to me. I also value apps that allow me to bank or provide remote support.

4. How do you use your BlackBerry smartphone and BlackBerry PlayBook tablet for work?

My PlayBook along with Evernote keeps my notes around tasks and projects, and a well written RDP application that has made my PlayBook a valuable support tool.

5. What picture is your current BlackBerry wallpaper, and why?

My BlackBerry wallpaper is the great hall of BCE Place in downtown Toronto – I was there a few days ago en route to an interview. Since it was first built, BCE Place has been one of my favourite architectural works.

6. What’s your favourite BlackBerry smartphone model, and why?

My current device is the BlackBerry Bold 9790, but if I were in the market right now I might consider the 9900. Though the devices are similar, the BlackBerry 9900′s larger format may be just a little better, but the difference is negligible. I’m a keyboard guy.

7. If a friend were in the market for a new smartphone and/or tablet, what would you say to convince them to join the BlackBerry family?

I am often asked to defend my choice of a BlackBerry as my recommendation, and while durability and low data usage are key points, the reality is that it has everything that you need to communicate reliably – right out of the box. I would also tell my friends and family about BBM 7′s voice chat over WiFi – that’s a real win!

8. What are the “Top 5” things you keep in your purse/briefcase/backpack at all times?

My backpack will ALWAYS have my PlayBook, AC charger for the PlayBook, a bootable Linux USB key (for security and data recovery), $20 (just-in-case), and a travel router.

9. What are some of your favourite blogs and websites that you visit often?

I’m less of a blog follower than a news follower but I’m a fan of quirky.com, kickstarter.com, sync.ca, nationalpost.ca, and follow a host of people on Twitter to feed my technology appetite.

10. Any interesting facts people would be surprised to know about you?

I prefer to have a beard, and wear my Tilley Hat. I have two Tilley hats, one is for more formal occasions and looks less worn. I’m also older than I look, it seems.

Thanks for joining us Cameron!

Sincere thanks to you – our readers – for all of your blog comments, tweets to our @BlackBerry4Biz account and comments on our BlackBerry For Business LinkedIn group. We love interacting with you on a daily basis, and bringing you the latest news and updates from inside BlackBerry.

Getting your feedback on our products and services is an invaluable tool for us to keep moving forward. We are pushing the boundaries of mobile computing like never before. We cannot wait to show you what we’ve been working on with the upcoming launch of BlackBerry 10! The future is bright for #TeamBlackBerry – thanks for joining us on this incredible journey.

Below is a list of our most popular blog posts from 2012. If you haven’t had a chance to read them yet, we hope you will.

• Own your inbox: Five ways BlackBerry features help you get things done
• RIM Developing BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 for Comprehensive Enterprise Mobility Management
• The BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.1 Software Update is Here, Bringing With it New Features for Business
• RIM CIO Robin Bienfait Answers Your Tough Questions on BlackBerry in Enterprise
• What is the future of the BlackBerry Enterprise Server? Discussing the Mobile Device Management (MDM) Product Roadmap
• BlackBerry 10 Receives FIPS 140-2 Security Certification Ahead of Launch
• 10 Ways to Use BlackBerry Bridge with your BlackBerry PlayBook
• BlackBerry PlayBook OS 2.0 Brings Updates to Docs to Go and a Brand New App: Print To Go
• Does RIM Compromise on Security by Using ActiveSync? The answer is No, and here’s why…

We will be back starting Wednesday, January 2nd with fresh blog posts, social content and LinkedIn info we know you will enjoy. Cheers to 2013!

Have any favorite Inside BlackBerry For Business blog posts from 2012? Let us know by commenting below!

The LinkedIn app update makes it even easier to stay connected on the go by allowing you to sync and merge your LinkedIn connections with existing BlackBerry contacts in your address book. And, with the new “Groups and More” tab, you can view saved and recommended jobs and access, add, view and participate in the groups that matter to you most.

Jobs

The new LinkedIn “Groups and More” tab allows you to access even more key areas of LinkedIn right from the navigation screen, including jobs. With this feature, you can easily access the jobs you’ve saved and browse ones that are recommended for you. And remember, when you’re done looking at jobs you can get back to the main navigation screen by tapping the LinkedIn logo at the top left-hand corner of the app.

Groups

LinkedIn 2.1 makes it even easier to stay up-to-date with the groups that are most important to you. The “Groups and More” tab makes it simple to access groups that you’ve already joined and participate by viewing and adding content. You can also easily view pending group memberships and access a list of groups that LinkedIn recommends for you and join them with just one tap.

Contact Sync

With the new Contact Sync feature, finding out detailed professional information about the colleagues in your next business meeting is as easy as looking them up in your address book. The app allows you to connect your existing BlackBerry contacts with your LinkedIn connections, and where no contact exists, the app can optionally create a new one for you. This helps to make keeping track of your business connections and interactions easier than ever.

We can’t wait for you to try these new features that make the new LinkedIn app even more interactive and in turn make you more productive. Download LinkedIn 2.1 for BlackBerry smartphones today to ensure that you have the latest tools to put your professional network in the palm of your hands.

Once you’ve gotten the update, check out our BlackBerry for Business discussion group on LinkedIn – a place for professionals, administrators, and business owners discuss the latest on BlackBerry solutions and trends, as well as a touch-point for you to speak with us directly.

Which new feature are you most excited to try out? Let us know in the comments below.

Note: The LinkedIn app for BlackBerry smartphones requires BlackBerry OS 6 or higher, as well as a Wi-Fi connection or data plan in order to function properly. Learn more about regional availability and language preferences on the BlackBerry World storefront.

[ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

The office has been buzzing with excitement for the upcoming launch of BlackBerry 10. To keep you connected to RIM’s leadership team, we’re planning to kick off an “Executive Leadership Series.” The intent of this video series – exclusive to our Inside BlackBerry for Business Blog readers – is to get up close and personal with some of RIM’s most senior enterprise and government leaders. We’re going to focus in on getting a deeper understanding of what these leaders have been working on to support CEO Thorsten Heins’ vision for the future. We know this series is something that Inside BlackBerry for Business Blog readers have been waiting for.

New to the BlackBerry Business Social Media team, Steph Frisina will be kicking off this leadership series. Throughout the interviews, Steph will talk to our execs about the work they are doing to ramp up to the launch of BlackBerry 10, as well as their views on the future of mobile computing. We’ve got some great interviews planned – and we look forward to sharing them with you soon!

Watch for more details – and say hello to Steph – on @BlackBerry4Biz, the BlackBerry for Business LinkedIn discussion group, and our LinkedIn company page.

If you have any areas of interest that you want to hear more about, don’t hesitate to let us know by commenting below!

With the explosion of social media activity over the past few years, it has never been easier for businesses to get online, engage, and interact with their customers. From the rise of Twitter® and their 140 million active users to Facebook® now having over 1 billion users globally, the opportunity to connect and engage with prospects and customers in real-time makes social networking a key priority for many businesses.

To help businesses get started and get the right practical help, we’re pleased to announce the launch of our new Better Business Hub brought to you by BlackBerry®. It’s designed to spark inspiration and provide practical advice for helping small business professionals do better business and develop their own social media strategy. We think small businesses need the straight facts in order to maximize social media for their work. We’ll be packing the Hub full of best practice articles, videos, and case studies dealing with mobile social networking, social media, and business relationships.

With so many social networks available, the question many small business owners are now asking themselves is how do they decide which social networks to adopt, and how they should go about developing their company’s profile? To kick things off in the first of our video series, we caught up with Suzy Lloyd, Senior Manager for Social Media at BlackBerry, who has put together some top tips to describe what to consider when starting your business journey on social media.

[ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

Is your organization looking to leverage social media for business? What are your top tips for integrating social media in your business? Share in the comments below.