Google application targets iPhone users

Google optimizes search, e-mail and more services for iPhone browser

Google and its new Android mobile development platform may compete with Apple for the attention of smartphone shoppers, but that isn’t stopping Google from building applications designed specifically for Apple’s iPhone.

Google today announced a new iPhone application that integrates multiple Google services into one interface. By logging onto Google’s main page, iPhone users can now access Google’s search, e-mail, calendar and news reader services, and easily move from one application to another, the company says.

“Google is taking advantage of browser technologies (like AJAX) that made Gmail and Google Maps possible on the desktop,” the company states in a press release. “In supporting these advances in Web technology, the iPhone's Safari browser not only delivers an excellent mobile Internet experience; it enabled our product and engineering teams to create an optimal Google experience on a mobile device.”

To continue reading, register here to become an Insider. You'll get free access to premium content from CIO, Computerworld, CSO, InfoWorld, and Network World. See more Insider content or sign in.

Google and its new Android mobile development platform may compete with Apple for the attention of smartphone shoppers, but that isn’t stopping Google from building applications designed specifically for Apple’s iPhone.

Google today announced a new iPhone application that integrates multiple Google services into one interface. By logging onto Google’s main page, iPhone users can now access Google’s search, e-mail, calendar and news reader services, and easily move from one application to another, the company says.

“Google is taking advantage of browser technologies (like AJAX) that made Gmail and Google Maps possible on the desktop,” the company states in a press release. “In supporting these advances in Web technology, the iPhone's Safari browser not only delivers an excellent mobile Internet experience; it enabled our product and engineering teams to create an optimal Google experience on a mobile device.”

A month ago, Google unveiled Android, an open platform for developing mobile phones. T-Mobile, HTC and other companies plan to release phones based on Android in the second half of 2008.

Google is not sitting idly by in the meantime. Last week, the company upgraded the mobile version of Google Maps with GPS-like technology that tells users where they are and what destinations are nearby based on cell tower ID information.

Google officials have pointedly said they have not built a so-called GPhone, and today said they plan to maintain a “device-independent” commitment to mobile technologies.

Read more about wireless & mobile in Network World's Wireless & Mobile section.