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Google Mobile iPad App
If you’re one of the millions who have integrated their online persona with all of Google’s software like me, then having the Google Mobile App is another extension to help stay connected. The app has been updated to better use the iPad screen.
Standard Google functions are available for the iPad version of this app. A user has the ability to log into multiple GMail accounts. You’re allowed the option to select whether or not you would like to have push notifications sent for any inbox or calendar, which can be actually a nuisance if your accounts are synced to the default Mail app. One great option is to have a time range where sound is disabled from notifications, which is great if you leave your iPad on overnight but don’t want to hear a ring-tone for every e-mail throughout the night.
Since many of Google’s services are offered through mobile web apps, no Google products such as GoogleDocs or Picasa can be found in the app. What is convenient is a page with all the mobile app offerings from Google, which is like a “Google App Bookmark.” Clicking on any of the links will prompt the Safari browser to open and automatically log you in under your primary account. My wish would to have these available offline in the Google Mobile App so that those without 3G access can still do some offline browsing.
For those users who try to avoid using the iPad soft keyboard, the app has a fully integrated Google Voice Search. It’s surprisingly accurate when enunciating your words and in a quiet environment. Unfortunately, the voice search function in a crowded coffee shop did not prove to be too useful. Google has also included the “My Location” feature to provide the option of including local searches in the results. Definitely a handy option looking for B&M stores or locations.
The Google Mobile App serves as more of a hub to other Google products. While it’s search function and integration with Google accounts is useful, the actual app itself does not provide too much use that cannot already be done in Safari and default iPad apps.
