Gmail’s Java application works on the Pocket PC
Have you noticed that many of the free Java applications all seem to be geared to be distributed to the more conventional cell phones? To get many of these applications you have to use your cellphone to navigate to a website that will determine if the application is compatible with your device before it passes you on to the place where you can download the application. Most of the time, I receive a message that informs me the application is not compatible with my Pocket PC...that's what happened when I attempted to get Gmail on my phone using the Google Mobile website.
On its website, Google states that it does not officially support the Gmail application for Windows Mobile devices. But when I was learning about how to install and use Java applications on my hw6925, I hunted around for Google's Gmail java application because I wanted to see if I could use it anyway. Unfortunately, since Google recognizes my hw6925 as a Pocket PC and not a conventional Java oriented cellphone, I was not able to find the file very easily. But, perseverance pays off! After hunting around for it, I finally found a direct link to the Gmail v1.5.0 jar file.
After I downloaded the file, I copied it to a GMAIL folder on my storage card. Then I opened up the Java Engine on my Pocket PC and installed the application:
- Tap Start > Programs > Java icon
- Tap Menu > Install > Local Files > GMAIL_G
- The software installed, stopping at times to prompt me at various times
- When the software was installed, the following screen was displayed. I entered my Gmail username and password in the space provided and tapped "Sign in" (NOTE: You'll need to have an active data or WIFI connection to sign into Gmail)
Nothing seems to work perfectly the first time around!
When I attempted to login to Gmail with an active GPRS/Edge connection, I received the following error message:
"This program requires a data connection. Please contact your carrier, or visit the Gmail for mobile FAQ on your computer for more info. "
This error message baffled me for a while, but after I looked around for a solution, I discovered that I could log into Gmail via a WIFI connection. After I logged in and retrieved all my email via WIFI connection, I was able to login with a GPRS/Edge connection and retrieve email. . . go figure!
The only complaint I have about the Gmail application is that once I input my Username and Password, there is no way to change to a different Username and Password except by uninstalling the application and reinstalling it. This won't be a problem for you unless you have multiple Gmail accounts (like me).
Download the Gmail v1.5.0 jar and try it for yourself.
See Also
Did you enjoy this Post? Subscribe to From My Pocket
You should be able to change your gmail name...
Inside the application, go to
Menu > Go To > Settings
De-select "Always keep me signed in"
Save
Close the application.
When you open it again, you'll be prompted for a username and password!
Reply to this
Thanks for letting me know. I'll have to try it out.
Reply to this