Gmail and iOS users rejoice! Gmail for iOS was updated on Monday with some key improvements.
This update puts the app on par with the Android version. The most notable change is providing support for the iOS notification center. This means your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch can now show alerts or banners when you receive an email through your Gmail account. Notifications of new messages will also appear on your lock screen.
Another featured added is the option to send an email from an alternative address. If you have set up an alternate address in Gmail from your desktop, you will now have the option to choose to send a message from that email address. I don’t think it supports multiple email addresses like the native iOS mail client does, though. I know this is high on the wish list of many folks.
Also, the app will no longer automatically sign you out over a period of time. You will stay logged into Gmail as long as you do not log out. This was an annoying feature (?) of the app. I am glad they did away with it. Many might say it has to do with security, but if you are concerned with security, you should sign out after each time you use the app.
With the most recent update, I can say that the Gmail for iOS app will be my primary mail client. It is a shame that it does not support multiple email addresses, but the speed you receive emails puts it over the top. You cannot make it your default client. Emailing pictures from your photo albums and webpages from Safari will launch the native client. That has more to do with Apple’s closed system than it does with Google and Gmail.
If you haven’t made the change yet, I say give it a shot. The interface takes some getting used to. I still look for the delete button near the bottom, but, even so, it is a superior experience over the current iOS mail client.
Edwin Iguina is the founder of DadPulse.com. He has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry and is currently working with a software company. He is originally from Brooklyn, NY, and moved to Virginia from Philadelphia. He is a big time Philadelphia Eagles fan, father, husband & all around good guy.
