Gmail iPhone app goes live, promptly removed due to bug

By Andrew Couts November 2, 2011

Super_Gmail_Logo1 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The rumored native Gmail app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is real, but anyone who hasn’t already downloaded the app will have to wait just a little bit longer to get it. Google released the long-awaited Gmail app into the iTunes App Store (iTunes link) today, only to have to take it down after a bug was discovered that the left users faced with error messages.

“Earlier today we launched a new Gmail app for iOS,” writes Gmail product manager Matthew Izatt on the Gmail blog. “Unfortunately, it contained a bug which broke notifications and caused users to see an error message when first opening the app. We’ve removed the app while we correct the problem, and we’re working to bring you a new version soon. Everyone who’s already installed the app can continue to use it.”

Once the bug is fixed, users will have access to a slew of features previously unavailable to iOS device users. Speed, efficiency, touchscreen functionality, and iOS Push Notifications take top billing in the features department.

Deep search functionality, email address autocomplete and photo uploads are all included features. As are the option to view your Priority Inbox, and greater organizational features, like archiving, labeling, and starring, among others.

As far as touchscreen options go, Gmail for iOS enables pull-down refresh, swiping through labels and fast scrolling.

These are all features Android users have been enjoying for sometime. And the option of a native Gmail app — rather than running Gmail through the mail app in iOS, which strips much of the functionality out of Gmail — has long been a selling point for Android. Not anymore, however. Or, at least, not once Google fixes the bug.

The Gmail app will be available for any iOS device that runs iOS 4 or above.

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