Google Mail improves offline mode

Posted on 25 Nov 2009 at 15:19

Google has improved the way that its free online email service works when used offline. Now it is possible to attach files to messages, which are then sent when an internet connection is re-established.

Most email client programs, including Outlook, allow users to 'send' messages with attachments when not connected. The software queues the message and sends it properly at a later time. However, until now Google Mail has not worked like this and you've needed to be online before you can add attachments. This has changed with the newly-announced upgrade.

Running Google Mail offline requires enabling the feature through the web interface. You'll then be prompted to install Google Gears, which is the software that handles synchronising your web-based mail with the offline client. Users of netbooks and other devices that are low on disk space should note that making a heavily-used Google Mail account available offline may involve downloading a lot of files.

Author: Simon Edwards

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