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September 21, 2010

Google Updates Gmail's Android App

More and more Android apps developed by Google are available in the Android Market. Until recently, applications like Voice Search or Gmail couldn't be installed from the Android Market. They were usually included in the firmware by phone manufacturers as part of a deal with Google.

The latest Google application added to the Android Market is Gmail. There aren't many changes: message headers are displayed at the top of the window even when you scroll down, you can click on "show quoted text" to see the text that prompted a reply and the built-in "important" label has been added to the interface.


"Gmail updates aren't tied to Android version releases anymore. Now you can get new Gmail stuff faster without having to wait for system updates," explains Google. Another advantage is that Android users will be able to install Google's apps even when companies like Verizon or Samsung pre-install applications from Google's competitors.

The update to Gmail's app can be installed if you use Android 2.2 (Froyo). Just search for "Gmail" in the marketplace or scan this QR code. Other "Google experience" applications available in the Android Market: Google Search, Voice Search, Google Maps, Street View, Google Voice.
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11 comments:

  1. UnknownSeptember 21, 2010 at 2:15 PM

    What applications are still tied to the firmware?

    ReplyDelete
  2. XipeSeptember 21, 2010 at 2:27 PM

    Finally. Not even Tim Bray professes to use the app, and it has been pretty clear as to why.

    Good call on treating it as an app too, and not as a part of Android.

    ReplyDelete
  3. KenBW2September 21, 2010 at 2:30 PM

    "Gmail updates aren't tied to Android version releases anymore. Now you can get new Gmail stuff faster without having to wait for system updates,"

    The update to Gmail's app can be installed if you use Android 2.2

    Huh?

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2010 at 3:43 PM

    @KenBW2 This is a "moving forward" change that they made, meaning that starting with Android 2.2, the GMail app is no longer tied with the OS. Similarly, I believe the cutoff for Google Maps is 1.6. So, once you have Android 2.2, you'll no longer have to wait for any subsequent OS updates (gingerbread, etc) in order to receive the latest version of the Gmail app.

    ReplyDelete
  5. ClaudioSeptember 21, 2010 at 4:51 PM

    will this be available for 2.1?

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousSeptember 21, 2010 at 10:20 PM

    Anyone know how to send suggestions to the Android Gmail team? I can't seem to find a suggestion/feedback form or address anywhere.

    ReplyDelete
  7. JensSeptember 21, 2010 at 11:00 PM

    not found (in germany) on android froyo.

    ReplyDelete
  8. JensSeptember 21, 2010 at 11:02 PM

    @anonymous:
    google suggest a feature: http://mail.google.com/support/bin/static.py?page=suggestions.cs

    ReplyDelete
  9. ssj4gogetaSeptember 22, 2010 at 8:52 AM

    Now I just need to wait for the Froyo update to my Galaxy S I9000. x-(

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnonymousSeptember 22, 2010 at 12:09 PM

    Hey Xipe, I've been using the Android gmail client since like Eclair; I think it's one of the best things about Android.

    ReplyDelete
  11. web design irelandSeptember 23, 2010 at 7:11 AM

    i agree with Tim, I have being using Gmail since Android 1.5, i am now on 2.2 with HTC Desire and the multiple accounts feature is great

    ReplyDelete

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