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Google today announced the release of a new Gmail client for mobile devices. Built on Java, the application promises to deliver a more consistent user experience across phones plus simpler and faster access to wireless e-mail than the XHTML browser-based version of Gmail Google has been offering since December of last year.

Gmail for mobile devices, as the J2ME applet is called, is said to greatly reduce the number of clicks it takes to access and archive e-mail from 11 to 2. It also delivers the over 300-compatible U.S. cell phones and smartphones the look and feel of Gmail, in addition to search, a threaded conversation view, and automatic synchronization with the desktop.

“This looks and feels a lot like the Gmail people are used to on their computers—so mobile usage will grow; it just takes time," Google product manager Tony Hsieh said to Forbes. "People will learn.”

Special features include automatic pre-fetching of messages, so there's no wait for when you click to read an e-mail in your inbox, and the resizing of attachments, including Word, PDF files and photos, to fit a user's mobile handset.

Although Gmail for mobile devices is carrier and nearly cell phone agnostic, Sprint announced it will make the solution directly available to customers on the carrier's deck - in the new Java form and, in the coming weeks, through its WAP site for those without J2ME-enable phones.

While Gmail for mobile devices is free, keep in mind data charges from your operator will apply. You can download the application here, including directly from a mobile handset over-the-air. There are no ads with the new wireless version of Gmail.

The application may put pressure on competitors Microsoft Hotmail and Yahoo Mail to come up with similar non-browser based mobile e-mail solutions. Google, as with other search giants, view the wireless sector as the place where major growth will happen over the next several years.

"Google's mobile products are designed to enable people to quickly and easily get the information they want on the go," said Google director of product management Deep Nishar in a statement. "We realize the role mobile phones play as a key driver for balancing online and offline worlds, and we're committed to developing products that help people stay connected when they're away from their computers. Gmail for mobile devices delivers on that commitment."

Nishar said in June Google was in the process of testing dozens of new search technologies, in its effort to better present results on cell phones, smartphones, PDAs and other Pocket-sized devices. All one needs to do is look at the world around us to see why Google is directing so much of its resources towards mobility, he added.