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Experts' View of Google's New Mobile Gmailnewsfactor.com, Nov 2, 2006 Google expanded its reach into the mobile world, announcing a free download that lets Gmail users check their e-mail accounts on smartphones and Java-enabled cell phones. They can do that already, of course -- but in the past they had to use a mobile Web browser, such as Microsoft's Windows Mobile version of Internet Explorer, which some view as clunky. The new download gives users direct access to their Gmail accounts, as long as their handsets support Java. "Giving consumers access to their Gmail accounts while mobile sounds like a great thing, and, by and large, it is," said Avi Greengart, a principal analyst and handset expert with research group Current Analysis. "Consumers who want to check their e-mail on the run can do so, carriers get to charge for data, and Google gets to extend its platform." Analyst Carmi Levy of the Info-Tech Research Group agreed. "Google's new Gmail for mobile devices is a smart move in a market space that's been crying for innovation," he said. Rich Feature SetGoogle's new software is designed to reduce the work needed to send, receive, or archive e-mail by demanding fewer clicks -- or screen taps -- for each action. What's more, it formats photos and other attachments to enhance their appearance on handsets, making it "less painful" to stare at a small screen, according to Greengart. "It also acknowledges the cell phone's limitations by including document viewers that most consumer handsets lack, and unique capabilities, by adding some nice integration that lets you respond to e-mail with a phone call," he said. Info-Tech's Levy added that search, conversation view, and desktop synchronization are all included in the software, which is "a lot faster than the unenhanced browser interface," he said. "It will certainly be a draw for cell phone users who have been wanting to do more on their phones than just talk," said Levy. The Bad News?Nothing -- much less new software -- is perfect, a point that both analysts made. One drawback of the new Gmail app? Unlike the ever-popular BlackBerry, the new mobile Gmail does not check e-mail automatically, then ring, beep, or buzz when it arrives. Users have to check for new arrivals manually. That said, the analysts noted that most of the issues with Google's new software have little to do with the software itself, and more to do with handsets and service. "Having access to your email without a QWERTY keyboard means it is best for e-mail triage -- seeing important messages and deleting spam -- rather than composing messages," said Avi Greengart. There's also the price. Google's software is free, as is Gmail in general, but users' cell phone companies will charge them for data access. "The efficiency of this kind of application could result in major surprises for some end-users when their bills arrive," said Levy. "Usage plans will need to be closely monitored and updated as necessary." The bottom line? Problems aside, Google could be part of your mobile future. |
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