Gmail Update Brings Background App Refresh And More
by Brent Dirks
March 5, 2014
Google’s popular Gmail app for iOS devices has just been updated in a move to version 3.0.
The biggest new feature is background app refresh. Just for iOS 7 users, Gmail fetches mail even when it is not open, so new messages will be waiting for you when the app is opened. Along with iOS 7, at least one type of notification, like a badge, alert, or banner, must be turned on.
Users can now also take advantage of a simplified sign-in feature. Signing into Gmail now automatically signs into other apps like Google Maps, Google Drive, and Chrome. That might be irritating for people with multiple Gmail accounts, but hopefully the feature will soon be configurable.
The release notes also warn that users may need to sign back into Gmail after downloading the update.
A universal app designed for the iPhone/iPod touch and iPad/iPad mini, Gmail can be downloaded now on the App Store for free.
Before the move to version 3.0, the last major update to the app arrived back in November. Version 2.7182 featured an iOS 7 inspired design along with some improvements for the iPad edition of the app.
For other app news today, see: Smash Bandits Is Getting A Big Racing Mode Update Later This Week, Glu Games Launches Third-Person Shooter Sequel Frontline Commando 2 On iOS, and The Spotlight Is On Spotliter, Now With Support For Photos As Well As Videos.
