Google released an innovative new mobile client, Gmail for mobile devices. This freely downloadable Java application delivers Gmail users the look and feel of Gmail through a fast, feature-rich interface that's optimized for handheld devices.

With the release of this client, Google is taking one more step toward its goal of providing users with quick and easy access to the information they need, when they need it.

Gmail users can already access their accounts through the browser on their mobile devices, but this application brings users the same great Gmail experience -- complete with search, conversation view, and automatic synchronization with the desktop version -- with the following new benefits:

* Up to five times faster access and use, thanks to automatic pre-fetching of messages
* Drastically reduced clicks and scrolling to access email
* Fewer keystrokes for reading, composing, or searching mail
* Attachments, including files and photos, viewable and automatically resized to fit the user's phone

"Google's mobile products are designed to enable people to quickly and easily get the information they want on the go," said Deep Nishar, director of product management at Google. "We realize the role mobile phones play as a key driver for balancing online and offline worlds, and we're committed to developing products that help people stay connected when they're away from their computers. Gmail for mobile devices delivers on that commitment."

Getting started is easy: users can go to gmail.com/app from their mobile browser to download the app. If users don't already have a Gmail account, they can sign up for an account via SMS by going to gmail.google.com and clicking on "sign up for Gmail."

The application is available completely free of charge from Google (carrier mobile data charges may still apply). It is currently compatible with all J2ME-enabled phones in the U.S. and works with a variety of carrier service plans.