Google has just detailed a new update to Gmail and its Google+ social network. From their Gmail web client, users can now respond to Google+ notifications in real time. They can comment, share and +1 items as soon as they get them, while responses from others also instantly appear in Gmail as part of the notification.
Google has just detailed its Automatic Message Translation feature for its Gmail service, having graduated it from the beta Gmail Labs. The feature was around in the Labs section since 2009, and now gives users the option to automatically translate e-mails into their native language. The feature is similar to that of Google Chrome when visiting a page that's written in a foreign language.
Google posted Tuesday that users of Google's free email service would be receiving a 33 percent boost in storage capacity. Gmail users will now have access to 10GB of storage.
Google has acknowledged that its Gmail service suffered some downtime for some users. The issue, which began earlier on Tuesday, had been addressed by the software giant, who promised more information on the cause. Gmail came back after about an hour.
Google updated two of its core Android apps on Wednesday to bring major new interface updates for certain users. Gmail (Google Play) now lets Android 3.2 tablet owners get the same Gmail interface as they would on Android 4.0, including swipe gestures to flip between conversations and more advanced control over labels. It can likewise sync the last 30 days of messages both to streamline search and help users work offline.
The European Commissioner's competition head Joaquin Alumnia on Wednesday postponed a decision on possible antitrust charges versus Google. He pushed back from a promise of late March or early April until after April 8, or after Easter. Investigators had asked for "some more days, even weeks" to accommodate the holidays while still conducting a proper investigation.
Google has acknowledged an unusual problem with Gmail on Android preventing access for some users. Some users opening the app see rapid flickering that not only makes it hard to read but often unusable. The issue doesn't appear to be device-specific and affects HTC, Motorola, and others.
Archos used Thursday to roll out Android 4.0 upgrades to its G9 tablets (PDF). All 80 G9 and 101 G9 models should start getting the new firmware over-the-air. Archos' implementation adds unique touches besides what Google brings to the platform, such as 1080p video and automatic subtitle downloads for many formats, 3D MKV videos, file manager and remote control apps, and USB Ethernet adapter support.
Google representatives were reported as being hesitant to fully answer questions relating to concerns over privacy on Thursday. In the wake of a hearing at a Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade subcommittee, California representative Mary Bono Mack briefed The Hill and others that the answers weren't "very forthcoming" in terms of the impact on families. She saw the unified privacy policy as ironically more complex for the user and that, even with Google's assurances, it wouldn't be easy to turn certain sharing off.
Google is now steering users into extra services when they register a new Google account on the sign-up page. Now, a new subscriber must provide more information then in the past to create an account, which in turn is automatically used to enroll them in Google+ and create a Gmail account. Although it's not explicitly stated, users can opt out, but the move counts on them accepting the extra features by default.
The University of California in Berkeley has posted a full breakdown of a recent decision to pick Google's Gmail and Google Apps over Microsoft's Office 365 in what represented a changing of the guard. Although not an unambiguous win, Google pulled ahead by being free, taking a fast six to ten weeks to implement, and popular. Using its system would require much less of an overhaul than Microsoft's, Berkeley said, and majority of the students and staff alike already knew the apps.
Google updated Gmail on the web to bring to mobile web users some of the features that it introduced in the Gmail iOS app just a few days ago. Those on a modern mobile web browser, such as Android 3.1, iOS 4, the BlackBerry PlayBook, or later versions of each can hand-draw Scribbles, or notes or sketches, to accompany their e-mail. It primarily relies on HTML5 to provide native features and supports colors as well as different brush types.
Google chose Wednesday to deliver its first major update to Gmail on iOS (App Store. The new version lets users set a mobile-only signature as well as a stock vacation response. On iOS 5, users get a new custom sound for notifications.
Google+ picked up key updates on the web and mobile on Thursday. On the web, it now ties in closely with Gmail: any message from someone on Google+ gives the option to add them to the social network, and circles can be used both to auto-populate contacts and filter messages. Photos that come in through Gmail can now share out directly through Google+ instead of having to save a local copy first.
Sony Ericsson is phasing out its Sony Ericsson Sync service in favor of Google Sync. It explained that the older service was meant for an older generation of phones. The company instead suggested that users switch over to Android's Google Sync, or alternatives such as Plaxo and UNYK.
Google's own Gmail client app for iOS is mediocre compared to its Android counterpart (even after returning to the store after bugs forced Google to pull it just after its debut), but iPhone users do at least have some options. Among them is a relatively new client called Sent ($5) that has been positively reviewed by buyers as well as by The Next Web, which called it "not perfect" but also "the best Gmail client on the iPhone right now."
Since being pulled just hours after release due to bugs, the Gmail app for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad has now returned (free, App Store). Version 1.02 requires iOS 4.0 or newer, and users need to either uninstall or log out of the original 1.0.1 app. As before, it improves on just using the native iOS mail app by viewing Gmail in threaded conversations, and organize it by archiving, labeling, starring, deleting, and spam reporting.
Google will no longer be supporting Gmail as a native app for BlackBerry. The company will be pulling support and availability for downloading beginning November 22. Current users will still be able to use the app after that date.
Google in just two hours has already pulled its Gmail app for iOS. The company's Dave Girouard explained the removal as a voluntary step after Google found a bug that would break notifications and trigger errors the first time the app is open. The fix is underway, and a new version was coming "soon," he said.
A rumor was quickly confirmed on Wednesday after Google posted an iOS-native Gmail app (free, App Store). The title is universal for both the iPhone and iPad and is intended to give a level of speed that isn't normally available through iOS itself: new messages are flagged in real-time through push notifications without having to use Exchange. It also brings expected specific features such as Priority Inbox, labeling, starring, and spam flags.
Google made two big revisions to its web pages on Tuesday. Its largest was an overhaul of Gmail's web interface and the other is bringing Street View functionality to public parks. The changes in Gmail bring the new layout common to all Google sites. The interface size and density of the elements will also automatically resize depending on what it's being viewed from, whether it’s a PC, tablet or smartphone, with a manual override for those that want it.
Google may answer one of longer-lasting complaints about Gmail on the iPhone by releasing a native Gmail app, multiple insiders claimed Monday. The app is described by CrunchFund partner MG Siegler's contacts as "fantastic" and taking advantage of push notifications. It will presumably include starring and may have recent but now established features like Priority Inbox sorting as well as possible improvements for contact IDs, a new threading layout, and much more in-depth searching.
Google appears to be previewing a revamped Gmail interface, expanding upon the current Preview theme that is available to all users. The search giant briefly posted a YouTube video that introduced the new UI, however the company quickly attempted to hide the segment by switching the privacy settings.
Microsoft as part of a complete revamp of the Hotmail interface put out a rare Android-first app. Hotmail for Android (free, Market) gives users push (real-time) e-mail like they would if they used Gmail and will also sync calendars and contacts. It can take on multiple accounts and has a specialized interface for picking photos along with the usual attachment support.
Gmail users reported an unusual outage. The issue appeared to be primarily located in the US but has also seen some Canadians report problems getting access. Other areas' statuses weren't clear as of Friday afternoon.
Consumer preference research house Nielsen has published findings from audience measurement data collected from Android smartphone users. The company found that Android Market was the top ranked app, followed by Google Maps, GMail, Facebook and Google Search. Nielsen also found that there were some gender differences with Google Maps having the second greatest reach for men after Android Market, while women preferred Facebook.
Google has begun rolling out a new Chrome browser app that brings offline access to several Google Apps. The update, detailed online, will go live over the next week, and allows users to view their inbox even when they lose their Internet connection. The Gmail Offline Chrome Web Store app is now available.
The Gmail calling feature available to those in the US has now been expanded to include 38 new languages, Google said on Tuesday. As such, calling credits can be purchased in Euros, British pounds and Canadian or US dollars. There are no connection fees, and users are only charged for the time they spend actually talking.
Google has added label-based ringtones to Gmail 2.3.5 for Android. The new feature allows users to set notifications and ringtones for any of the labels in a user’s inbox. In addition, users now also have the ability to sync only priority messages, which aims to save power useage as well as data bandwidth.
Google on Wednesday said it was phasing out Google Labs. Its experimental side was going away as the company shifted its attention to finished, public-ready projects. The company wanted a "greater focus" on what it released, senior research VP Bill Coughran explained.
Google has introduced redesigned interfaces for its web-based Gmail and Calendar utilities. The revamped layouts, which are currently available for users to preview, offer a modernized appearance with functional improvements alongside aesthetic tweaks. The Gmail interface brings a red, black and white color scheme, closely resembling the new Google Plus presentation.
Apple has posted an iCloud transition guide both to outline what was changing and to assuage worries that web apps might go away. The Q&A promises that the calendar, contacts, e-mail, and Find My iPhone will all still have web interfaces. The only services going away will be iWeb hosting, the Gallery pages, and iDisk, although iDisk is partly replaced by iCloud.
A new study by RBC analyst Mike Abramsky suggested Apple could get rapid adoption of the core services it rolled out with iOS 5. A full 76 percent of the 1,500 iPhone owners asked were either somewhat or very likely to use iCloud. Its value as online storage was likely to partly nullify one of Android's advantages and improve the "loyalty and stickiness" of iPhone users that might have otherwise jumped ship.
European wireless provider Vodafone introduced the self-branded Smart phone. The Android 2.2 device will let pay-as-you-go customers access the Android Market, Gmail, Google Maps and Google Talk. Users interact through a 2.8-inch capacitive touchscreen and access the web through 3G and Wi-Fi. Bluetooth is also onboard.
AOL was spotted last night running a beta test of a new, very simple video chat system. AV by AIM is designed to work entirely without a login and lets users join in solely by sharing a link, not a contact list. It works with as many as four participants at once and has a text chat component that flows over the video feed.
Google on Thursday helped Android catch up in a key area with confirmation of the rumored Android 2.3.4 update. The update gives Android phones official video chat for the first time and uses the same Google Talk solution as on Android 3.0 tablets. Video chats work over cellular as well as Wi-Fi and let users talk both to tablets as well as to Gmail and other Google Talk-ready pages.
An anonymous official from Russia's Kremlin on Saturday dismissed an FSB proposal to ban Gmail, Hotmail, Skype and possibly other services. The official disliked a set of attacks on a major Russian blogging site but didn't believe the proposal, from the FSB security agency's information lead Alexander Andreyechkin, was necessary. He didn't explain to the AP support why or whether the statement was a sign the government would reject the FSB's measure out of hand.
The lead for the FSB security agency's information group Alexander Andreyechkin on Friday proposed banning Gmail, Hotmail, and Skype in Russia. He complained that the brunt of the traffic on these sites wasn't managed within Russia and allegedly made them a haven for 'extremist' groups. Without filters, using these services could lead to a "massive threat" to the nation's security, he claimed.
Microsoft in a belated step has quietly brought out the first true e-mail app for the Zune HD. The official software gives the MP3 player checks for both Gmail and Windows Live mail as well as any mail account that uses a POP3 server for incoming messages. The app isn't as full-featured as on Windows Phone 7 but lets users quickly mass-delete messages or filter by the folder or the status.
Google on Wednesday announced that it has come to an agreement with the Federal Trade Commission regarding the lack of privacy controls in its Buzz feature that's tied into Gmail. Under the deal with the FTC, Google will undergo an independent review of its privacy procedures every two years. Google will also ask users to grant consent before it makes any changes to how it shares personal information.
Google has added another feature for Gmail that aims to help users manage their incoming e-mails. Said to be a complementary feature to Priority Inbox, the Smart Labels feature is available in Gmail Labs. Once enabled, it categorizes Bulk, Notification and Forum messages and labels them on its own.
Google on Friday gave Google Docs its first real file format update with 12 new standards. The release supports an Apple-specific format for the first time and will let users read Pages documents in-browser. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop images also now work, and modelling gets its first support through recognition of Autodesk's AutoCAD.
Microsoft today in an official response acknowledged that Yahoo mail was at fault for the phantom 3G data bug plaguing Windows Phone 7 users. Confirming what had been discovered mentioned that an "inefficiency" exists when syncing mail, it said it was working with Yahoo and had identified a fix it expected in the next few weeks. The OS maker repeated Rafael Rivera's temporary workarounds and suggested checking Yahoo mail only manually.
Extra sleuthing in tracking down the mystery Windows Phone 7 data use has pinned at least some of the responsibility on Yahoo e-mail code. Using a script to expose code, Rafael Rivera found that Yahoo's IMAP mail servers send a flood of code every time a Windows Phone 7 device tries to get e-mail. The traffic is about 25 times what's necessary and lead to any regular e-mail checks quickly consuming large amounts of bandwidth.
Google today gave Chrome users a special desktop notification feature. The browser can optionally pop up HTML5-based notices for new Gmail messages or Gtalk chat, independently of the browser window. The feature is OS-independent and only requires an active tab with Gmail open to work.
Millions of users rely on GMail, the free ad-supported webmail service from Google, as a secondary -- or even primary -- e-mail account. With nearly eight gigabytes of mail storage, effective spam filtering, built-in chat and phone calling for free (in the US and Canada), a threaded "Conversation" view and mobile access, GMail positions itself as a viable alternative to "regular" standalone e-mail clients. But what if you could have both? Mailplane gives users GMail in a standalone application. Is it the best of both worlds? We'll find out in our review.
Google has given users of its calling in Gmail service a holiday present by announcing on Monday it will extend the free service for all of 2011. Introduced in August, the calling feature was free for calls made in the US and Canada for the remainder of the year. The feature mimics a regular phone, with calling accomplished through a dialer or by clicking a saved contact's name.
Gmail's core developer Paul Buchheit today said in a prediction that he expected Chrome OS to die in 2011. The former Google employee and FriendFeed creator expected that it would either be ended outright or else "merged" with Android. In a defense on FriendFeed, he noted that there was no point to Chrome OS and argued that even the Cr-48 netbook was a mistake.
Google has introduced an updated version of its mobile Gmail utility for iPhones or Android-based smartphones. The mobile variant now brings a feature set closer to the desktop version, allowing users to take advantage of enhancements to features such as search, starring, labels and threaded conversation. The update also brings offline support, and smart links for Google Maps, YouTube and Google Docs content.
Google gave Android users a significant update to its recently stand-alone Gmail today with a handful of key updates. Phone owners can finally send from any of multiple addresses they've set up in Gmail on the desktop, including non-Gmail addresses. Priority Inbox now plays a much more important role with markers to identify which messages are important, the option of bumping messages up or down, and set notifications (including phone ringing) for when important mail shows up.
