On March 19th Google released an update
for the Android devices. These improvements are made to specifically
address the speed of email handling. The changes were made so that the
users can save time with the most frequently used actions like replying,
archiving and searching. Google have also mentioned that the users
might have to get used to the new features whereas the updates should
eventually be able to improve user’s experience and make it easier for the consumers.

Google stated “You can combine this with existing notification features like the ability to customize
which messages you receive notifications for and set up different
sounds for individual labels. So if you filter and label all the
messages from your mom, you could set a ringtone to let you know you received a new mail from her and then quickly reply (because we know what can happen when you ignore your mother!)”
The update requires Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) which can be downloaded from Google Play.
Users who are not on the latest version of Android
have also received some minor updates. The Gmail app has received search
improvements in Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0) and above.
Furthermore, Google says the app also includes “better search
suggestions,” although it wouldn’t specify exactly what it has changed
or added. Users using Froyo or Gingerbread which more than 50 percent of
Android users still are; have received performance improvements. As for
other new features, the user won’t be able to take advantage until
third-party app developers decide to leverage the newly added Labels
API.
Here are the Gmail version 4.3 features for numerous Android versions:
Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and above: Reply, archive or delete emails directly from notifications, doesn’t require to open the application.
Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and above: Faster search, even when offline. It also includes numerous bug fixes and performance improvements.
Android 2.2 and above: New Labels API for 3rd-party app developers as well as performance improvements.
Google’s Gmail update will bring numerous possibilities to Android Mobile Application Development. For Android 2.2 developers will be creating third party apps to avail features to older Android versions.