Mountain View, California — In an attempt to counter its rivals Google on Tuesday unleashed a revamped version 2.0 of is popular Gmail app for iOS devices with a fresh user interface, new animations and supports up to five email accounts, promising a faster, sleeker experience with loads of new features.
The new Gmail 2.0 for iOS features a flatter UI that more closely resembles the revamped look of other Google properties and services and boasts a selection of new features including Auto-complete, in-app RSVP for Google Calendar and syncing with Google+. Says the company:
“With version 2.0 of the app, you will get a completely new look and feel, plus a bunch of improvements like profile pictures in messages, numerous new animations from swivels to transitions and infinite scrolling in the message lists,” reads an official statement from Google.
Expounding on the functionality, the company executive said, “The latest streamlined look is a product of six months of work by the Google team,” product manager Matthew Izatt wrote in a blog post. Notably, version 2.0 features profile pictures in messages (or if no photo is available, a colored letter corresponding to the contact’s first name), new animations, and infinite message list scrolling.
As a matter of fact, the revamp occurred after months of complaints from users about the limited functions of the original app. Users can now also check emails for multiple Gmail accounts at the same time.
Some of the nifty traits included in the renewed app offers “many new time-saving options,” Google said. “For example, when you search, auto-complete predictions will appear as you type, shaving off precious seconds (and typos). Also, you can RSVP to Google Calendar invites as well as +1 and comment on Google+ posts directly from the app.”
Besides, not to be missed, the much-anticipated multiple account support attribute that is available in this upgrade, a chance for users to keep up with personal and work accounts without having to switch between different apps, or sign onto mobile Internet just to check for the latest email.
Izatt also publicized out-of-the-box features, that is Gmail 2.0 for iOS now supports multiple accounts: “You can now login to up to five Google Accounts from the menu and switch between them with a couple of taps.”
In fact, Gmail for iOS failed to impress when it was launched in November 2011. Notifications did not functioned properly and users opening the app for the first time got an error message. Google pulled the app and offered it for download five days later after fixing some of the bugs.
Regardless of its earlier flop, the recent update is already winning praise from critics with Nathan Ingraham at tech blog The Verge noting: “One thing is undeniable — Gmail 2.0 is a huge upgrade over its predecessor in terms of pure features.”
On the other hand, other reviews of Gmail 2.0 were pretty much favorable in comparison with the app’s predecessor. Sarah Perez at TechCrunch said: “The update is a solid one, especially for an app that has not always impressed.”
The new Gmail for iOS is a free download from Apple’s iTunes-based App Store or get it from Google Mobile.