Gmail offers IMAP access

While not yet formally announced, Google has finally begun offering IMAP access for users of its free email service. The company on Tuesday offered instructions on how users can enable IMAP access on their accounts, allowing users to organize email into folders, save drafts, and access sent mail from multiple clients. While the default Gmail setting does not yet work on the iPhone, the Mountain View-based company has posted instructions on using the new IMAP features on Apple's popular device. (Note the service does not appear to be enabled for all accounts yet.)

The documentation notes that Gmail's IMAP service supports SSL for both incoming (i.e. browsing) and outgoing mail; however it is unclear whether the service currently supports the Blackberry-like "push"-style email, which notifies users upon receipt of any email. Currently, only Yahoo! Mail supports "push" email notifications to the iPhone (rather than periodic/timed checking).

by MacNN Staff