One of the biggest draws of the native Gmail app for iOS is that it would provide push notifications. This way, you didn’t have to keep refreshing to see when you get that important message. Other nice features include the ability to search your entire inbox, autocomplete email addresses, get a split view on the iPad, use the priority inbox, swipe right to view labels, and more. Unfortunately, none of that is working right now.

Reports flooded the web, complete with screenshots, showing that people were getting a “notification error” on the login screen: “no valid ‘aps-environment’ entitlement string found for application.” Whatever that means. The long and the short of it is that Google has now pulled the new Gmail app from the App Store altogether, posting this update on the official Google Enterprise Blog:

Earlier today we launched a new Gmail app for iOS. 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.

Are they not rubbing salt in the wound with the “continue to use it” bit at the end there?

How? BlackBerry Balance is said to “create a firmer barrier between business and personal data on BlackBerries.” Let’s face it. Even when a company outfits an employee with a phone and tells him to only use the ‘Berry for work-related tasks, he’ll inevitably use it to check up on NFL scores, update his Facebook status, and tell his wife that he’s going to be late for dinner.

When the corporate IT guys install BlackBerry Balance on these phones, though, they are able to wipe out only corporate data from a BlackBerry device, leaving the personal data intact. Perhaps even more importantly, Balance will “prevent users from mixing work and personal data in email and other third-party programs.”

I’m not exactly sure how they’re going to do this, but it might be somewhat related to the different “modes” that you find on Nokia Symbian smartphones, for example, with separate mailboxes and homescreens for your personal and professional life. For me, the two are one and the same, but I have a feeling I’m in the minority in that regard.

The economy is going through some tough times and Peek wants to cut you some slack, especially since some of the direct competitors in the market are hitting up the lower end of the price scale too. Cheap is good when you’re watching your wallet, right?

As such, the original Peek Classic handheld has been bumped down to just twenty bucks. For a little more style and flash, you can go for the Peek Pronto. The latter has been knocked down to just $60. Both of those are much cheaper than even a $99 iPhone or BlackBerry Curve.

The bad news is that they’re not cutting any slack when it comes to the monthly service. Unlimited wireless email on either Peek handheld will still run you $20 a month. Remember that the Peek is not a cell phone; it’s a mobile email device.

Given that price, I’d be more inclined to get an all-in-one device, no? The contract price on several smartphones is south of $100 these days. Unlimited email through some carriers is only $15 a month.

Source: WSJ