Gmail gets offline access

Peter G. 28 Jan, 2009 at 1:13pm ET Article published in Tech

google_g The Google gurus have finally found a way to give Gmail offline access. Users have always had to be online to use the mail service, but thanks to a new update now being rolled out, you’ll be able to compose emails and check old messages while offline. Also included in the update is the ability to use Google Calendar in the same way.

Offline access is provided through the use of Google Gears, a multi-use software toolkit developed by Google that allows desktop-like applications to run in a web browser. Users should now be able to turn on offline access through their account settings, but corporate Gmail users will need administrator authorization.

Comments

28 Jan 2009 ~ 1:19pm TiberiusLazarus Interesting. I'll stick with my desktop apps for such things, but I could see how some might find this useful.
28 Jan 2009 ~ 1:20pm Thrax Someone please explain how "offline" works.
28 Jan 2009 ~ 2:28pm BuddyJ It's a fancy way of saying you can disconnect from the interwebs and your Gmail will still work. Messages composed while disconnected will send when you get back on instead of flaking out like they currently do.
28 Jan 2009 ~ 2:33pm Thrax No, no, I mean what is "offline?" I don't understand it.
28 Jan 2009 ~ 2:37pm Snarkasm /me goes into internet withdrawal too, Thrax.
29 Jan 2009 ~ 10:43am LIN

Thrax wrote:

No, no, I mean what is "offline?" I don't understand it.

* Thrax has never been offline, not even in the womb. *

LIN
29 Jan 2009 ~ 10:51am Thrax Embryonic WiFi. All the cool babies are doing it.
29 Jan 2009 ~ 3:45pm LIN

Thrax wrote:

Embryonic WiFi. All the cool babies are doing it.

Word up.

LIN