Google introduces offline Gmail

Google has introduced offline access capabilities to its webmail service Google Mail, known outside the UK as Gmail. Users in the UK and the US will be able to access their Google Mail Inbox, read and archive messages and even compose replies without needing to be connected to the web. The feature is being rolled out over the next couple of days, Google said. The service was built using Gears, Google's offline web application. In development for nearly two years, the new feature will allow users to write emails on-board a plane. Messages will then be sent once an internet connection is reactivated. "You can read messages, star and label them, and do all of the things you're used to doing while reading your webmail online," wrote Gmail Engineer Andy Palay on the Gmail blog. "Any messages you send while offline will be placed in your Outbox and automatically sent the next time Gmail detects a connection," Palay added. To activate your offline account click the Labs tab in the Settings category in your Inbox. Select Enable next to the Offline Gmail option and save changes. http://mail.google.com