MOUNTAIN VIEW - The long-awaited Gmail app for iOS was finally released yesterday - but the excitement was quickly squashed after Google withdrew the app from the market after slightly more than an hour.
Many users got an error message the very first moment they started the Gmail app.
Google's Gmail service is extremely popular, and it was expected that the official Gmail app will finally bring full Gmail functionality to mobile users on Apple's iOS platform, but the deluge of complaints immediately after the app was released forced Google to make an apology.
The search engine giant posted on its Gmail Twitter account: "The iOS app we launched today contained a bug with notifications. We have pulled the app to fix the problem. Sorry we messed up."
Google provided even more information on why the app was pulled on its blog.
"Earlier today we launched a new Gmail app for iOS," wrote Google. "Unfortunately, it contained a bug which broke notifications and caused users to see an error message when first opening the app. We've removed the app while we correct the problem, and we're working to bring you a new version soon. Everyone who's already installed the app can continue to use it."
After the botched release of the app, technology Websites jumped in to blast - not just Google, but Apple too.
Tim Stevens, a blogger for Engadget, wrote: "It's clean and workable but sadly a bit buggy. We had to reboot our iPad before it would let us sign in and we got notification-related errors upon launching both apps for the first time."
Jessica Dolcourt of CNET pointed the blame at Apple. "An error of this magnitude is unusual for iOS apps, since Apple is renowned for its iron grip over the quality of products released to its App Store," she wrote.
Users of Apple's iOS products could already use the default Mail app to access Gmail - Google only released this new app in the hope that it would provide even better functionality and features for those familiar with Gmail's Web app.
Currently the Gmail app is not availble on the app store, and Google has not yet revealed when an updated app would be available. AGENCIES
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