Sparrow Pushed Out 1.1 Update, But When Will Our Email Get Pushed?
April 4, 2012
Sparrow for iPhone is without a doubt one of the most noteworthy releases in the App Store last month. The first iOS implementation of the original Sparrow app for Mac, it is so excellent in presenting and handling mail on the go that many users now prefer using it rather than Apple's default Mail app. That's quite a compliment to the app's developer, seeing as it's only on its initial version. Fortunately, the app's developer is apparently not one to rest on its laurels, as the first update for Sparrow is now out, just over a couple of weeks after its launch.
Although widely praised, Sparrow is not without its shortcomings. And this update, which brings a host of new functions, is proof that its developer is intent on making it the unqualified best mail app for iPhone, one step at a time.
If you can't see the video embedded above, please click here.
Apart from bringing bug fixes and improvements for stability, version 1.1 of Sparrow for iPhone adds a send-and-archive function, which lets you reply to a message and then archives that message automatically. (Hello, inbox zero.) A much-requested built-in Web browser is also now available, so there will be no more going back and forth between Sparrow and Safari just to view links in messages. Emptying spam and trash folders and choosing whether to include or exclude an attachment when forwarding a message are now possible as well. Furthermore, a couple of account-specific functions are introduced: the ability to specify whether to show or hide the badge count for an account, and the ability to choose which labels and folders to display for an account.
Notably absent in this update is the same function that was notably absent upon the app's release: push notifications. Apple remains strict with its policy regarding the Push API, but the developer has this to say about the snag: "Push is coming. With or without Apple." Sparrow 1.2 is already in the works, and with it comes the possibility of finally having support for push notifications.
Sparrow for iPhone is available in the App Store for $2.99. There's still no way to make it your default systemwide mail client, but don't let that stop you from experiencing the great things it has to offer.