• On CHOW: Sexy vampire party
June 10, 2009 11:52 AM PDT

Gmail mobile gets keypad shortcuts, auto-complete

by Josh Lowensohn

On Wednesday Google released two small but important updates to the mobile version of Gmail. New to the service are keyboard shortcuts and address auto-completion; two time-saving features that desktop Gmail users have been enjoying for years.

The keyboard shortcuts (obviously) do not work on the iPhone. For now, Google is limiting them to Android phones with a physical keyboard. These are exactly the same as on the desktop version, so you don't need to re-learn anything.

(Credit: CNET)

The auto-completion, on the other hand, is available to everyone and is quite a time saver. It begins pulling up names from your contacts as soon as you type just one letter.

Auto-completion only works in the "to" field when typing a new e-mail though, and does not work on Gmail's search like you're able to do on the desktop variant by using the Gmail labs add-on. Hopefully that feature will trickle down to this mobile version, since it's immensely helpful when trying to add search operators, or sort out messages from specific contacts.

One thing to note is that these new features are only available in the English version of Gmail mobile. Google has not said if, or when, they will make their way to other localizations of the service.

Josh Lowensohn writes for Webware.com, CNET's blog about Web applications and services. E-mail Josh, or follow him on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/Josh.
Recent posts from Webware
Google launches Maps tool for finding flu vaccine
Get a $10 Restaurant.com gift certificate for 80 cents
Hundreds of Facebook groups hijacked
Plan your wedding with these Web resources
Twitter, LinkedIn team up for self-promotion free-for-all
'Elf Yourself' returns with Facebook and Twitter power
Sneak peek: Xobni e-mail app for BlackBerry
More time needed for revised Google Books deal
Add a Comment (Log in or register)
by Regulator7 June 10, 2009 12:43 PM PDT
Yawn. Bring us iPhone owners push Gmail and it'll be something newsworthy.
Reply to this comment
by s_cozart June 10, 2009 1:30 PM PDT
When will Gmail Mobile for BB be sexy too...
Reply to this comment
advertisement

About Webware

Say No to boxed software! The future of applications is online delivery and access. Software is passé. Webware is the new way to get things done.

Add this feed to your online news reader

Webware topics

After 5 years, Firefox faces new challenges

Mozilla helped reshape the Web since releasing Firefox 1.0 five years ago. Now it's got a reawakened Microsoft and Google Chrome to reckon with.

There's a map for that: GPS or smartphone?

Almost every handset comes with mapping software these days, but standalone GPS devices are becoming more affordable than ever.

Inside CNET News

Scroll Left Scroll Right