Google optimizes Gmail for the iPad

Online king optimizing its Web services for tablet computing devices

Even though Google has a few apps that come pre-installed into the iPad, the Web giant continues to look forward at the tablet computing explosion across the spectrum and optimizing its services for the new format. 

I'm referring to its services that can be accessed without having to download an app, services you can access from any device within a standard Web browser, like this first one announced by Google, Gmail.

Let's not confuse this with the Mail app that comes prebuit on the iPad.  This one you'll find in your browser.

Users who want to try this alternative to Mail need to go to gmail.com in their browser.  From there, the changes Google has made become apparent.  It's different to what you would see on an Android or iPhone device since it's been optimized for the iPad's larger screen.  It has a two-pane view with conversations on the left and messages on the right, similar to what you would see on your laptop or desktop browser.

Google said it's an "experimental user interface," and users should expect to see "changes as we continue to develop and optimize."  So if you're not fully satisfied with the email service Google is open to ideas or feedback.

The iPad optimized Gmail was built on the Gmail for mobile HTML5 Google built last year, (which was geared to mobile device users).  

Google shared its view on tablet computing, saying,

"We’re particularly excited by how tablet computers create the opportunity for new kinds of user interaction. Here on the mobile team, we often talk about how mobile devices are sensor-rich: they can sense touch through their screens, see with a camera, hear through a microphone, and they know where they are with GPS. The same holds true for tablet computers, and we’re just starting to work through how our products can become even better on devices like the iPad."