Apple Rolls Out Updated Version Of MobileMe Mail Application

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Two MobileMe related stories in just a few days, of course, in fairness the last one was only a rumor and a rumor that I am not all that sure I would believe. More importantly though, this latest bit is a little more exciting — the MobileMe Mail interface has been updated with a new look and new features.

First things first, the updated version of MobileMe Mail has not been rolled out to everyone just yet. Instead its still in the beta stage, and current MobileMe subscribers will need to login and request an invitation should they want to get the early access. Requesting the invitation is simple enough, all you need to do is login to your MobileMe account at http://www.me.com/mail and look in the bottom left hand corner. You should see a small box labeled with “Mail Beta is coming soon. Request an invitation.” Just click the request an invitation link and that text should change to “You’re signed up! We’ll email your invitation soon.”

And with that out of the way, here is what you can expect in terms of new features.

• Widescreen and compact views: This basically gives you a few options for viewing mail, and depending on the computer you are using, or more importantly the size of display you are using this could come in handy. And for those using Gmail on an iPad, this look will be familiar.
• Rules to keep your email organized everywhere: This is offering the ability to “reduce inbox clutter by automatically filing messages into folders.” Sounds a lot like what I have with Gmail, but at the same time very welcomed. If nothing else, this will allow MobileMe users to keep their mail better in sync across multiple devices.
• Single-click archiving: This is appears to work just as the name implies. Hit one button to archive your mail.
• Formatting toolbar: More options and the ability to get at them easier. You can format mail messages with the basics such as bold, italicize and more including inserting images.
• Improved performance: It is said that this will load your inbox and messages faster. Cannot really complain about that.
• Increased security with SSL: Again, just as the name implies — email that comes with SSL protection. The nice part here is that this SSL protection rolls out across your browser as well as the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

As of now there has not been any mention as to when this will come out of beta, but with anyone being given access that does not seem quite as important. Also, the MobileMe Mail beta is listed as working best with Safari 4, Firefox 3.6 and Internet Explorer 8.