Google has enhanced its free “Gmail” service with two new interface options for mobile phone users. A new “m.gmail.com” site features a greatly simplified interface for phones with HTML browsers, while a Java download enables Gmail account access from any Web- and Java-enabled device, the company says.

Gmail's simple HTML interface (left) and Java app (right)

Google says its Java app works with about 275 phones. The application reportedly does not work on T-Mobile's network, however, nor on BREW-based networks such as those operated by Verizon, Alltel, or U.S. Cellular.

Google says its new phone interface options will offer a “faster, more Gmail-like user experience.” Other touted advantages include:

• User accounts stay synchronized, regardless whether accessed via PC or phone
• Mobile interfaces offer search boxes, and can search “entire archives” in seconds
• Supports attachments, including photos, Word docs, and PDFs
• Messages open “nearly instantaneously”

Availability

More details about Google's new mobile Gmail offering — including the Java app download — can be found here. Additionally, Google has launched a mobile Gmail user forum, here.

 
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