Google has released an improved beta version of the iGoogle
personalised home page optimised for the Apple iPhone and
Android-powered mobile phones.
The move follows
criticism earlier this year that Google had tried to make its
original optimised version seem inferior to its own Android
platform by directing iPhone users to the standard iGoogle mobile
interface.
The latest version is faster and easier to use, Google said in a
blog post. It supports tabs as well as more of users' favourite
gadgets, including those from third-party developers. But some,
such as Flash-enabled gadgets, will not work in mobile
browsers.
The new version features an in-line display of articles for
feed-based gadgets. This allows the user to read article summaries
without leaving the page, it said.
Users can also rearrange their gadget order or keep favourites
open for the next visit.
Google said none of these changes will change the layout of
gadgets on users' desktops, so users could move them around on the
phone's screen to suit their mobile environment.
The new version of iGoogle for mobile is available in 38
languages, the search company said.
iPhone and Android users tempted to try it out should use their
phones to go to igoogle.com mobile browser where they should tap
"Try the new Mobile iGoogle". Bookmarking the page or making it the
home page allows users to return to it quickly.