Google has released an enhanced and downloadable version of Gmail for Mobile Devices, a free Java-based application that allows users to access their Gmail via a mobile phone or PDA.
The company says the interface looks and feels like Web-based Gmail, but with features that are optimized for handheld devices. This new service retains many of the features available on PCs, and is accompanied by automatic synchronization so that any e-mails read on the phone show up as already read when one switches on the PC.
Gmail for Mobile Devices offers improved access times and ease-of-use due to technology that automatically pre-fetches e-mail messages. The service also has other improvements like reduced clicks and scrolling to access e-mail; fewer keystrokes for reading, composing, or searching mail; and support for attachments, including files and photos that can be automatically resized to fit the desktop on the user s phone.
Speaking at the occasion, Deep Nishar, director - product management, Google, said that they realize the role mobile phones play as a key driver for balancing online and offline worlds. Gmail for Mobile service will help people stay connected when they are away from their computers.
It is, however, learnt that the free software for Gmail is available only in the US at the moment, and that it is compatible with more than 300 cell phones. Users can download the software by logging-in to http://gmail.com/app, or by sending a text message containing the software to their phone from a PC.
Meanwhile, phones from Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile, and Cingular will carry the service, while Google plans to expand it to other countries and languages over time. The pre-requisite is that these handsets need to be able to run Java software in order to read Gmail.
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I'm in Mumbai, India and am using a SE K750i with Airtel. I have GPRS on my cell and thought giving the Google app a try although the article above mentions its for USA only. To my surprise the application worked and I could see all my email in my Gmail account. Neat little app! Keep it up Google!
by nmanihar
from Mumbai
on 03/11/06 05:44 PM
HI,
I may need a little help from you. I have a Nikia 3230 and downloaded the GAmil app. It Installed fine, but then when I filled up the user name and password and wanted to sign in, it just showed loading, but after sometime says data carrier needed and terminating. I use Airtel and have GPRS activated. I can acess gmail thru another application called gmail lite, but not thru the GMAIL Mobile app. Can you help in sending me the settings please or any other comments?
by Atanu Mandal
from Pune, India
on 12/11/06 11:31 AM
hi,
I am in Hyderabad, India and using SE k510i with Airtel. I have GPRS on my cell too.But app doesn't work.It states an error that "The program requires data connection. Please contact your carrier". Please tell me how to rectify this error.
by Anand Ethiraj
from Hyderabad
on 29/11/06 09:15 PM
Hi, I live in Belize Central America and the new Google gmail app works just fine for me. I am running it on a Motorola V3 RAZR.
by Agencies
from Belize City
on 05/11/06 04:32 PM
I have downloaded the app to my V557...this is just TOO easy. The attachments are readable, the download is smooth, all the email threads remain intact and the experience is much like reading my gmail from my desktop/laptop. I can't wait to see what Google has up their sleeves next...
by Chigger
from Indianapolis
on 04/11/06 07:02 PM
Well, I attempted to use my phone for anything but phone calls for the last time. I tried 3 ways to get into it and got some obscure error each attempt. I can't wait to see my bill for this waste of time. I don't blame Google, I put the blame somewhere between Sprint and Samsung, as my new expensive flip phone seems to lack whatever capability is needed. It doesn't lack the ability to go online and charge me for attempting though!
by idiot
from new york
on 03/11/06 09:46 PM
Today morning only I downloaded in my Nokia 6233. It is a amazing and the whole experience is too good. The interface is so neatly designed. I have Hutch connection. It even opens up word, excel & PPT attachement as text file. Atleast you get the content if you want to.
by John
from Chennai
on 03/11/06 03:33 PM
I am in Kenya currently and Safaricom (mobile service provider) is my ISP. If and when you extend your new gmail service to mobile customers outside the US, would it be a free service? Or should I have another service provider for Kenya?
by Mathew John
from NAIROBI, KENYA
on 03/11/06 01:23 PM