Mobile Gmail updates mask even more disruptive moves than Android
Published: 17 April, 2009
As developers get a look at version 1.5 of the Android platform and its software developer kit (SDK), apparently minor enhancements to the Gmail messaging system may point to wider Google moves, that could have an even more disruptive effect on the mobile web experience and business model.
The type of underlying technology powering a new user interface upgrade for mobile Gmail could sound a deathknell for specialized downloadable clients, optimized for specific devices or networks - such as the Skype clients for 3/INQ, Nokia N Series, BlackBerry and iPhone. These offer greater efficiency and ease of use than most pure browser approaches on current devices, but threaten a new kind of fragmentation and lock-in. Google's vision of the 'everywhere internet' relies on running apps from any browser on any device or network, and it has taken some steps in this direction. Its new technology will make it easier to develop robust mobile web applications without having to create individual clients, said the search giant.
While the short term aim is to speed up email actions and support poor network connections - using HTML5 for low quality connections, or Google Gears when offline entirely - the MIT Technology Review points out that the Gmail upgrade is one of the first successful attempts to create browser-based applications that look and feel like those downloaded directly to devices, which could turn the current assumptions about sales and distribution of mobile software on their head.
Over at Android, the SDK for version 1.5, which includes the so-called 'Cupcake' enhancements, was announced earlier this week. New features include support for soft keyboards, live folders, homescreen widgets and speech recognition, all taking Android closer to the iPhone experience. Google also promises better camera and GPS performance, support for video recording and the stereo version of Bluetooth.
The Open Handset Alliance, which supports Android, claims 1.5 will offer faster speeds for scrolling in the browser, acquiring GPS data and capturing images. Among other new APIs, Android 1.5 has those for recording and playing back raw audio, speech recognition, a redesigned sensor API and one for creating apps using OpenGL graphics. The code also extends support for some of the features in Google's applications and services such as GoogleTalk and Gmail, and supports upload of videos to YouTube and photos to Picasa, according to CNET. The user interface is also changing, with simpler buttons and check boxes.
Developers gain the ability to target different Android platforms from within a single SDK installation and install SDK add-ons to access extended functionality, for instance provided by operators.
A final version of the SDK is expected later this month, and version 1.5 will be available as an over-the-air update for existing Android G1 smartphones soon after.
More HANDSET News
More LTE News
More FINANCIAL News
COMMENTS
Carrier Broadband Performance: Africa & Middle East
Carriers are using mobile broadband as their weapon of choice in the fight against the commoditization of voice and falling ARPU. This...
Voice over LTE: Market Analysis and Forecasts
VoLTE offer unique advantages in lowering a carrier's voice infrastructure economics and promises to improve voice quality, device...
Satellite Phones: Will Dual Mode Help the Phoenix Rise from the Ashes?
Satellite phones have followed an arduous path since their much-hyped launch more than a decade ago. The hype was followed by an e...
