Google has announced that it is ending support for its Gmail app for BlackBerry devices and will pull its native app from the BlackBerry operating system on November 22.
In a short post on the Google App Updates blog, Google announced the “Deprecation of Gmail App for BlackBerry,” saying it was removing its BlackBerry app in order to focus on Gmail in the mobile browser.
Those who have already downloaded the Gmail app will still be able to use it, but Google will not be issuing updates or providing any continued support. BlackBerry owners have until November 22 to download the Gmail app before it disappears forever.
In the blog post Google did not give any concrete reason why it was pulling its Gmail app. Here’s their explanation:
Over this past year, we’ve focused efforts on building a great Gmail experience in the mobile browser and will continue investing in this area.
This is the second time in a week that Google has removed an app from a mobile operating system, as the search giant released and subsequently pulled its Gmail app for Apple devices within a series of hours last Wednesday. That app removal was triggered by widespread bug and crash reports, however, that have not plagued the Gmail app on RIM devices.
(Source: Huffington Post)
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8 Responses
I’m very disappointed I use it all the time for other email accounts that I don’t need or want to come directly to my Blackberry!
Wait… what exactly does this mean? Any new contacts added will not be synchronized anymore with my gmail?
Does it mean that if I get new mail it wont come to my phone? Or am I totally missing what this is referring to? I am a bit behind the times in blackberry language.
Please explain.
use Opera Mobile – undoubtedly the leading mobile browser
http://www.opera.com/mobile/
shkoyach, I THINK it means that after Nov. 22, it will not be possible to download Goggle’w Gmail app onto your BlackBerry. Also, Goggle will not provide any services or updates to those who already have the app.
But if you have the app already, you will still be able to use it and get your emails on your BB.
However, if you have a problem with the app or the app gets bugged, Goggle will not provide any assistance after Nov. 22.
If you don’t have the app yet and want it, better get it now…
And shkoyach, your welcome!
It means if you have Gmail it will still work. It will not be updated or supportewd, however, and after Nov. 22 you can’t become a new user on BB.
It appears to be an attempts to make people who like Gmail move to Android devices, a not altogether horrible alternative.
To Shkoyach; it means if you like gmail you need to buy an android… I wonder what took them so long?
Very unclear!
it means the extra redundant app will not be available. your mail will still come instantly. your contacts will still sync, your calendar will still sync. Most people do not use the extra app. ( i know of very few who do use it. I do BB support so i can verify this)