What is Google’s answer to the ever increasing Android fragmentation? They choose to develop web applications that run in a mobile browser instead of trying to build native apps for every platform. Google first hinted at this strategy during this year’s Google I/O and they have stayed true to their word. Sure we have seen some new creations like Listen and Google Sky Map, but the majority of their services have remained web only and we do not expect that to change.
If you were waiting on Android versions of Reader, Analytics, Adsense, or any other Google service, it is most likely an optimized web version will be available first. We have seen this strategy recently as Google keeps pushing out updates for the mobile Gmail while ignoring the native Android client.
Google News for mobile just got a mini face lift and I spent a couple minutes playing around with it to capture some screens. The service now allows users to create a customizable jump menu which makes news items easier to navigate. To check the service out, point your mobile browser towards http://news.google.com.
From the official Google Mobile Blog:
This new version provides the same richness and personalization on your phone as Google News provides on desktop. Our new homepage displays more stories, sources, and images while keeping a familiar look and feel. Also, you can now reach your favorite sections, discover new ones, find articles and play videos in fewer clicks. If you are an existing Google News reader on desktop, you will find that all of your personalizations are honored in this mobile version too.
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