After releasing a web app that made the native YouTube iPhone app irrelevent, it looks like the boys and girls at Google have (finally!) updated their mobile app with push notifications for Gmail and gCalendar fans.
Ever missed an appointment or important email because you were away from your desk? Now Google Mobile App can help with push notifications from your Google account to your iPhone — an icon badge shows you’ve got new mail in Gmail, and Google Calendar event reminders appear right on your home screen.
We’ve also added spiffy features to get you information faster — when looking for flight info, weather, stock quotes or currency conversion you’ll see answers before you even hit ‘Search’. (Google Mobile Blog)
Truth be told Google’s embrace of push notifications should help users receive notifications regarding emails and appointments faster without having to drain their iPhones battery via Microsoft Exchange.
The new update also supports multiple Google accounts, which should benefit users who have to one Google account for work and another for personal life (at least as far as email goes).
Unfortunately Google Mobile still has yet to allow users to check their email or calendar updates without launching the Safari app (which is annoying).
While this latest update will make it easier for users to embrace Google’s mobile web apps, until users are able to upload files via Safari iLovers will be forced to use Apple’s default mail client (despite its various quarks).
Originally posted on August 23, 2010 @ 3:30 pm