One of the complaints that Apple commonly receives about its iPhone is that push email services are not available for Gmail, whereas they are for MobileMe, the paid service from the company, as well as Yahoo! Mail. Whilst the Cupertino-based company still hasn't done anything to resolve this issue, Google certainly has, and it used Microsoft in the process to do so. According to the Google Mobile blog, you can now get Push services for Gmail, thanks to an updated Google Sync.Though this is great news for some, it's not as simple and straightforward as it sounds. The logical way to do this would be to have Push enabled directly from Apple's Mail application on the iPhone; however, the company is being overly difficult on that front, so you'll need to use Microsoft Exchange to get things up and running as they should be. The downside to this? If you already have a Microsoft Exchange account set up, then you'd best put those raised hopes away, as the iPhone only allows one to be used at any given time.
Google explains the Google Sync update quite thoroughly: "Using Google Sync, you can now get your Gmail messages pushed directly to your phone. Having an over-the-air, always-on connection means that your inbox is up to date, no matter where you are or what you're doing. Sync works with your phone's native email application so there's no additional software needed. Only interested in syncing your Gmail, but not your Calendar? Google Sync allows you to sync just your Contacts, Calendar, or Gmail, or any combination of the three."
To get this running on your iPhone, just enter your Google Account credentials into the Microsoft Exchange setup box and you'll be on your way. Additionally, this service is available for Windows Mobile as well as Symbian, thanks again to the Google Sync update.
Does this mean much for people who pay for their internet like me, i get 250mb a month, i guess this will have very little effect? and does it download them over WIFI if i'm in range of an AP.
If it doesn't work yet, it should be available soon
This shouldn't have any effect on your bandwidth allowance, I don't think. Unless somebody can correct me on that
EDIT: Why didn't this message reply to forcer? Hmm.
How do I get notified if it's not using bandwidth?
And how much bandwidth does a fruitless email check take anyway?
Exchange uses ActiveSync to do this. I believe the MobileMe push doesn't use this protocol, as they had it implemented before Apple licensed ActiveSync Echange from Microsoft, and instead uses a similar method to APNS (Apple Push Notification Service).
Let's say I only check my emails once an hour.... I'm no better off with push. But if I need my emails instantly, then push is better for bandwidth.
To answer questions about bandwidth. It doesn't increase/decrease your bandwidth, it depends on how many emails you get. What it can do is save on batter life by a bit. Since your phone doesn't have to connect to the internet every X minutes to fetch something that is not there.
Either way push is usually the best option.
I find it scary everyday how many people must be connected to everything. Though at the same time I know numerous people finding the joys of escaping back away from twitter, being constantly on facebook, and connected to their emails.
For people who don't understand the purpose of push email, let me put it this way:
if everyone who had a cell phone was able to receive email via push, it would pretty much eliminate the need for SMS/EMS services.
You can. Exchange is Exchange, it's exactly the same on desktops as it is on mobiles.
This is such a great service, and its free!
Not sure of it's effect on battery life though I understand it that gprs virtually has no effect on battery life while it's 'listening' - only consumes power when it's transmitting in/out - anyone verify this?
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