Search engine and mail host Google has launched a text-based version of their Gmail email service, which is specifically aimed at users in Africa who do not necessarily have access to a constant or stable connection to the Internet.
Gmail SMS can run on so-called "dumb phones" which only have very basic features and no access to the internet. The new service is aimed at users who do not have smartphones and make use of feature phones – mobile devices that cannot connect to the Internet and have no ability to feature apps and especially those that support only voice and SMS.
Geva Rechav, Google's product manager for emerging markets,explained in a blog post how Gmail SMS was adapted to work by using simple text commands.
"Gmail SMS works on any phone, even the most basic ones which only support voice and SMS," he wrote.
"Gmail SMS automatically forwards your emails as SMS text messages to your phone and you can respond by replying directly to the SMS.
"You can control the emails received by replying with commands such as MORE, PAUSE and RESUME.
"Additionally, compose a new email as an SMS and send to any email address recipient - who will find your message in the right email conversation thread!"
While Google is conducting educational programmes in the African region, the SMS addition extends Google’s product range which is specifically aimed at enhancing the lives of Africans. Google previously said that computer science training in African is “an important goal for Google in 2012″.
Often the lack of resources to buy hardware in order to connect to the Internet is a major stumbling block, which the SMS services aim to overcome.
Gmail SMS is currently available in Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya and is offered as a free service, while any command sent texts will be subject to standard network rates.
So, how do you set yourself up with Gmail SMS?
First of all, you’ll need to log-in to your Gmail account, and click on your profile at the top of the page and then hit Account.
Click Open SMS settings in the "Phone and SMS" section.
Add your phone number to receive Gmail to that number.
Verify your phone number by entering the verification code that we sent as SMS to your phone.
Check the box for email forwarding to your phone.
Last but not least, receiving Gmail SMS is free of charge. Standard SMS rates apply when replying to messages, creating new messages and sending Gmail SMS commands from your phone.
Source: ITNewsAfrica.Com, BBC News Technology
Gmail SMS can run on so-called "dumb phones" which only have very basic features and no access to the internet. The new service is aimed at users who do not have smartphones and make use of feature phones – mobile devices that cannot connect to the Internet and have no ability to feature apps and especially those that support only voice and SMS.
Geva Rechav, Google's product manager for emerging markets,explained in a blog post how Gmail SMS was adapted to work by using simple text commands.
"Gmail SMS works on any phone, even the most basic ones which only support voice and SMS," he wrote.
"Gmail SMS automatically forwards your emails as SMS text messages to your phone and you can respond by replying directly to the SMS.
"You can control the emails received by replying with commands such as MORE, PAUSE and RESUME.
"Additionally, compose a new email as an SMS and send to any email address recipient - who will find your message in the right email conversation thread!"
While Google is conducting educational programmes in the African region, the SMS addition extends Google’s product range which is specifically aimed at enhancing the lives of Africans. Google previously said that computer science training in African is “an important goal for Google in 2012″.
Often the lack of resources to buy hardware in order to connect to the Internet is a major stumbling block, which the SMS services aim to overcome.
Gmail SMS is currently available in Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya and is offered as a free service, while any command sent texts will be subject to standard network rates.
So, how do you set yourself up with Gmail SMS?
First of all, you’ll need to log-in to your Gmail account, and click on your profile at the top of the page and then hit Account.
Click Open SMS settings in the "Phone and SMS" section.
Add your phone number to receive Gmail to that number.
Verify your phone number by entering the verification code that we sent as SMS to your phone.
Check the box for email forwarding to your phone.
Last but not least, receiving Gmail SMS is free of charge. Standard SMS rates apply when replying to messages, creating new messages and sending Gmail SMS commands from your phone.
Source: ITNewsAfrica.Com, BBC News Technology
These acts are called innovation. Google is using its talents and money wisely. Taking local conditions in account when they develop new technology. Email via SMS- why the others did not think of it! Africa , India where 3G , 4G , smart phones are beyond the major percentage of the population- this service is perfect. Imagine farmers getting rates in detail from the 'wholesale/mandi'! Hats off Google. Always a fan.
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