Pinterest released on Tuesday updates to its iOS and Android apps, including new mobile features such as search suggestions, push notifications and the ability to mention friends in posts.
The updates may seem small but represent the company's larger efforts to move beyond its web-based presence and make it easier for people to use the platform on smartphones and tablets.
On the heels of re-instating the feature to the web-based version, users can now mention other users via mobile within each pin. The feature is intuitive to use through the apps: pinners select the @ sign and type out the name of the person they want to highlight.
Notifications are also available, so you can finally see when people have commented on pins or if you've been mentioned. They can also be pushed to your mobile device if you want to be updated when not in the app.
But among the most useful new features is the suggested search terms. Instead of typing out a whole phrase to describe the type of recipe or bedroom decor you want, the updated app provides a drop down menu of what it thinks you want. This concept is nothing new, however. It's about time Pinterest included it within its apps.
In addition, mobile users can pin from external websites within the app. To do so, click the "+" button at the bottom of the screen and type in a URL to pin.
Image courtesy of Pinterest