More on New Gmail WebApp for iPhone: HTML5, Offline Access, Easy Linking
Daring Fireball has been looking into Google’s new Gmail WebApp for the iPhone and the technologies behind it. We already know the iPhone packs a version of Apple’s Safari Web Browser which is, in some ways, even more advanced than desktop Safari on the Mac. SQLite database caching, for example, for example users continue to archive or star messages even when there’s no internet connection. What’s more interesting to him, us — and likely users — is how that technology improves functionality.
Says Gruber:
I use the native iPhone Mail app to read email on my iPhone, but I’m tempted to start using the Gmail web app for one reason: I waste a lot of time switching back and forth between Mail and Safari after tapping a URL in an email. When using the Gmail web app, tapped links simply open in a new Safari tab. The iPhone Mail app needs a built-in web view, like what most popular iPhone Twitter clients offer.
Google’s Alex Nicolaou has blogged about the process.
We once wondered what the future of WebApps would be in a post-native apps world. Looks like Google expects — and is out to prove — things still look very bright.
Anyone else considering ditching the built-in mobile Mail app for some web-based Gmail?
April 8th, 2009 at 6:47 am
Not a chance in hëll. The WebApp is not even close to being more convenient.
April 8th, 2009 at 7:17 am
I can’t even get the new web app. Anyone else having trouble seeing the updated page in the UK?
April 8th, 2009 at 7:20 am
I think the main benefit of the Mail app over the Gmail Web app is notifications; with the Web app you have no way of knowing if you have a new mail unless you open the page. I am still hoping that once 3.0 and its new push notification system come into effect that we will see a native Gmail app with notifications…
April 8th, 2009 at 7:43 am
I don’t want a gmail app. I just want a gmail email notifier! I am hoping it is coming with 3.0.
April 8th, 2009 at 8:33 am
I won’t switch just because there is no alerts. Solid app but too inconvenient for me
April 8th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Mail app is fine for me. Not much interest in a Gmail native app or web app.
April 8th, 2009 at 9:59 am
I won’t switch because the new Gmail doesn’t load remote images. It’s a downgrade from the previous version.
April 8th, 2009 at 10:37 am
I won’t quit the native mail just yet, but through the google app I can now search gmail and it autofills my gmail contacts, neither of which I can do with the native mail. And the floaty bar is definitely working in the UK.
April 8th, 2009 at 10:48 am
NO WAY! We need a GMail native app… the new web app is nice, but only as an alternative to what came before, and it pales in comparison to what there could be in a native app… PLEASE!!! Web Apps are slow, clunky and cumbersome.
April 8th, 2009 at 11:46 am
No, Apple doesn’t allow AppStore Apps to run in the background, but Mail, Phone, iPod and Safari do run in the background, we just need a better way of switching them like Palm Pre provides.
April 8th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
All I know is that the add to Home Screen shortcut doesnt have the envelope icon but rather a snapshot of my inbox. Anyone got any ideas?
April 8th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
@Pnut:
You can upload your own 57×57 pixel PNG graphic file to clipalizer dot com.
April 8th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
The webapp is pretty good. I like the tab view for extended conversations with people.
April 9th, 2009 at 9:50 am
I wouldn’t switch from iPhone Mail app to Web-based until there’s a way to check/notify new emails periodically.
April 9th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
What are the details on the calendar changes?
August 12th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Use MSGpush.com to get push notification with gmail. It’s in beta now, but it’s free & no complaints so far.
August 31st, 2009 at 8:57 am
I like it, but all of a sudden the new web app won’t load. I have to switch to the old which is pretty annoying. iPhones are great, but far our they’re full of bugs.
October 6th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Yes, I use it regularly. 2 things I would like to see: 1) the WebApp (using a Gmail RSS feed) should alert me with a badge as to how many unread or total messages I have in my Inbox (just like the integrated client does). 2) anywhere we create emails in the iPhone should be redirected to the WebApp’s compose screen (with attachements if any).