Google has rolled out an updated version of its Gmail web app for mobile Safari. The change might seem subtle at first glance, but basically the menu bars are now anchored to the top and bottom of the screen, making the web version of Gmail function more like a native app (like the Gmail app for Google Android, for instance). Previously, there was a floating toolbar at the top of the screen that really looked like someone had just slapped it on top of your inbox.

The new version of Gmail for Safari also features a scrolling update: Now the faster (or slower) you flick the screen, the faster you’ll scroll.

I still think the native Gmail app for Google Android is prettier, and easier to navigate. But the new web app offers many of the same features without requiring you to install anything on your device.

Interestingly, when you visit Gmail using the Android web browser you still see the old version with the floating toolbar.

Brad Linder

Brad Linder is editor of Liliputing and Mobiputing. He's been tinkering with mobile tech for decades and writing about it since...