How to Get Gmail Mobile For Your T-Mobile MDA and Similar Phones
Update: Google released a new version of Gmail Mobile, and this new version does not work on the T-Mobile MDA with the JVM offered here. The old version of Gmail Mobile can be downloaded here, and I confirm that that version works.Today, Google released Gmail Mobile and the application is AMAZING. It works on many phones without hassle. But some phones, like the T-Mobile MDA (HTC Wizard) require a little trickery. This post will show you how to get the app running perfectly.
Before I go any further, here's the disclaimer: I make no guarantees that this will work for you. All I claim is that it worked for me!
The reason Gmail Mobile requires a little extra tinkering to get it to work on the MDA is that the MDA doesn't come with a Java Virtual Machine (JVM). The JVM is what allows you to install .jad files, and Gmail Mobile is a .jad file.
All you need are:
- Internet access, either through a data plan or through Wi-Fi
- ActiveSync and the USB cable
- 2 MB free space
- I downloaded the JVM found here. Clicking on that link now gives me an error (550 Failed to change directory.) Luckily I didn't delete the copy I downloaded after I installed it on my phone. I've uploaded it and you can download it here. It's a .cab file.
- Use Active Sync to move the .cab file to your phone.
- Find the .cab file on your phone and click on it. Follow the instructions on your phone to install it.
- Soft restart your phone.
- Point your phone's browser to http://www.gmail.com/app. Follow the instructions there.
If this story helped you out, Digg It!
Lastly, for those of you who are a little wary of this JVM and want to know more about where it came from, the site I originally got it from is called XDA-Developers. Check 'em out.
Labels: mobile
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55 Comments:
I downloaded your intent midlet manager and it wouldn't launch. It said that there is no jmm.exe installed, or something.
thanks....
Awesome! Thanks for the guide.
Definitely easier than the instructions on msmobiles
Tried the above but when I launch Gmail through my Java client, it appears for a few seconds and then disappears.
Any idea why it does this?
Didn't work for me. I did some reading and found out that this will only work on PPC PE (Phone Edition) devices. So no luck for normal Windows Mobile 5.0 devices. The IBM J9 JVM 6.1 will run, but for some reason Gmail Mobile can't detect my internet connection, though the Google Maps Midlet does.
Anonymous commenter (2 above this one) who said:
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Tried the above but when I launch Gmail through my Java client, it appears for a few seconds and then disappears.
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You'll notice that in the top left of your midlet manager, there's a dropdown box that is usually set to "All". Change that to "Running" and you'll see all midlets that are running.
I find that to run the application, I have to click on the Gmail app from the "All" screen, then click Yes to allow the application to use the network, then click on the Gmail app from the "Running" screen.
can I put .jar game on it to windows mobile 5.0
To rickytr23:
You sure can. You can use this midlet manager to run any compatible Java midlet.
This midlet manager, AND the gmail, works on my PPC-6700 running WM5.
Thanks. So. Much.
-michaelhood
I have a tmobile mda and it took the midlet manager just fine, but I have tried to run some .jar and .jad files and it says "invalid java archive (jar)". Any thoughts?
How do i add the .cab file to my phone
Joe Mac, I've received the same error, and I think it has to do with the way the jar file was created. If a jar file gives you this error, I don't think there's anything you can do to make that file work on your phone.
Anonymous, to put the cab file on your phone, you'll need to use ActiveSync and your USB cable. Hook your phone up to your computer using the cable. When active sync opens (and finishes syncing), right click on its green icon in your system tray. Click explore. Then drag the cab file into that window to begin the file transfer. Hope that helps!
I had the same problem as eugenia (first post) which I didn't see a response to.
When I try to run the MIDlet Manger I get the error:
"The file 'jmm' cannot be opened. Either it is not signed with a trusted certificateor one of its components cannot be found. You might need to reinstall or restore this file."
Any ideas?
Thanks
Eugenia and Sheanon, are you using the T-Mobile MDA?
I've got the HTC Tornado (T-mobile SDA) and when I followed the instructions for installing the midlet... it seems to install but then never permanently installs in midlet subfolder. Everytime I go to gmail.com/app it always reinstalls the app and then it works one time. But next time it's never there and goes through the same procedure. Any ideas?
E,
You said that the app never permanently installs in the midlet subfolder. Are you looking in the Midlet Manager? If I recall correctly, the Midlet Manager is somewhat hidden on the T-Mobile SDA. To show it follow these steps:
1. Open File Manager.
2. In the File Manager options menu, uncheck all the 'Hide x.... files' boxes
3. Browse to the Windows folder.
4. In View, switch it to Sort files by type. This will put all the .exe files near the top of the 1000+ list of files that are probably now visible in your Windows folder.
5. Find the jmm.exe file - this is the Java Midlet Manager.
6. Highlight it and use Create Shortcut to put a shortcut in the Start Menu folder.
When you go to gmail.com/app, the midlet should install to this location. Then to run the application in the future, you should run it from here--not from the website. I hope this helps!
All i can say is thank YOU and Google for a job well done.. My Dopod 838 pro / HTC TyTN / i-mate Jasjam is now complete..
Original java app had issues with gmail mobile, the posted fix worked in seconds and now it's all systems go. This app is absolutely unbelievable, super fast and negates the need to download my POP email. 5 STARS!
CJ... YOU ROCK!
Worked great.
Thanks much!
I'm glad to have helped! :-)
so does this work for smartphones or just PPC? I can't seem to get it working on a Cingular 2125 running WM5 or a Cingular Blackjack... what am i doing wrong?
This post applies only to T-Mobile MDA users. But I'm pretty sure the Gmail client works on Smartphones as well as Pocket PCs. Your phone must have a JVM though. The Cingular 2125 does have a JVM, so you should be able to run the Gmail client just by going (on your phone) to this location:
http://www.gmail.com/app
I hope this helps!
running windows mobile 2003, if i try and open the midlet manger, i get "* is not a valid Pocket PC Applicatio" same with the file from gmail.com/app
any ideas?
heppy, I think this Midlet Manager is specifically built for the T-Mobile MDA. It might work with other smartphone's, but I'm not sure about its compatibility with Pocket PCs. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful!
how do i delete a midlet from the midlet manager? it doesn't seem to have that option. thanks!
Anonymous asking about how to delete midlets:
What type of phone do you have? On the T-Mobile MDA, open your Midlet Manager, and then using your stylus on the touch-screen, click and hold on a midlet icon. You'll get a bunch of different options, one of which is delete.
Hope this helps!
"...click and hold on a midlet icon. You'll get a bunch of different options, one of which is delete."
Thanks - it did the trick! (Yah, I'm an MDA newbie!)
Is there a way to have more than one gmail account setup on the midlet?
I have two gmail accounts that I use and want to keep separate (they're for different businesses). It would be really nice to have them both there without having to log out and back in to check each account.
Also, does anyone know how to get alerted whenever a message arrives (push email) using the gmail midlet?
brandags,
I think both of the things you mentioned are impossible. With the current version of the midlet, you can sign in to only one Gmail account, and push email isn't possible.
This worked perfectly for me. Thank you so much!
You're welcome! :-)
Worked great for me. Thanks.
You're welcome Jacob, and awesome site by the way!
First -- thank you. I've been trying to get Gmail working on my T-Mobile MDA for awhile.
I downloaded the cab and used Active Sync to get it to my phone. I then clicked on it, let it install and did the soft restart. At some point I got a warning saying that it was for an older version of Windows Mobile, but I just clicked OK and continued.
I then went to the Gmail URL that you pointed me to and installed the app -- could see that it was installing. I then go to the login page:
1) the Gmail logo in the MIDlet Manager is a bit fuzzy (not sure why that is... and I don't care... just telling you in case that means something didn't install correctly)
2) when I get to the gmail login screen, it has a 'blue wrapper' around the Username box. if I try to click to make the box active, the screen changes to a blank white box. if i try to just type my username, no text appears at all.
so, it looks like i'm stuck a bit -- have any other users reported this difficulty logging in?
My MDA has this 'About' info:
* Microsoft Windows Mobile Version 5.0 OS 5.1.195 (Build 14955.2.3.0)
* Processsor: OMAP850-195MHz
* Memory: 44.04 MB
Device Info:
* Rom version: 2.26.10.2 WWE
* ROM date: 6/7/06
David,
My About info and Device info are the same as yours. I think I know how to solve your problem.
At the login screen, you should see the blue wrapper around the username box, just like you said.
If you click to make the box active, the screen changes to a blank white box, like you said.
Click AGAIN, on this white box, and it will highlight with a red border. Only THEN will you be able to type your username. Press "Done" when you're finished, then do the same for your password.
Another thing to note, is when typing your username and password, don't hold down any buttons, including the circle button in the bottom left.
Thank you -- that did the trick (for that problem).
Next problem -- will this allow me to log in to view email in my 'Google Apps for my Domain' Gmail?
p.s. Isn't it annoying that Blogger doesn't allow you to sign up for 'future comments' after a comment you post? Puts the onus on the Blogger to contact people, or on people to continue to revisit pages where they've posted questions or threads that they want to track.
You're very welcome David. To answer your question, no. I'm fairly positive that this app only works for "@gmail.com" addresses.
And I agree, Blogger needs to provide a simple way for users to stay notified of comments on a post. Whether it's via RSS, or email notifications, or something else.
Thanks again -- much apprecited!
This worked great thank u, but i have a questions...is there a way i could get an alert or text telling me i have gmail?
thank u
Anonymous, you're very welcome! Unfortunately, as of right now, it's not possible to get email notification using this Gmail App.
Thank you... I finally got my TyTN to work!
Original midlet manager had issues with gmail mobile, the posted fix also worked for me!
how do u add attachments wit gmail on a mda wit this new program??
i have recently purchased Samsung i600 which run wm5. i have downloaded and installed the midlet and have soft restarted the phone. however, when i go to midlet manager to start it, it shows nothing. further when i went the gmail site for installation, the application downloaded but i can't find it to enable me to install or start.
Previously i was using m600i of sony ericsson and it was working fine for me.
Sorry Fahad, I can't offer much help with that type of phone since I don't have one. My only suggestion is to do the following, in order:
1. Install the JVM (Midlet Manager)
2. Visit the gmail mobile webpage on your phone's browser. URL: http://www.gmail.com/app
3. Open up the Midlet Manager
4. Click Gmail
5. Answer yes to any questions about data transfer.
6. If you get sent back to the Midlet Manager, click Gmail again.
I hope this helps!
wit this java program how do u send attchment?? does anyone know?
As far as I know, it's not possible to send attachments with the Gmail App at this time.
just wanted to say thx. I am using a Dopod/HTC 838 Pro w WM5 and your cab file worked like a dream. Thanks again
CJ, I put the file in my phone (main memory) and clicked it, a message immediately comes up saying:
installation of Intent_MIDlet_manager.cab was unsucessful
Any ideas?
BigL76, do you have enough storage space?
I dont know if anyone's asked this, but I had midlet manager already on my imate. It installed the Gmail app, but whenever I ran it, it would appear for a few seconds then go away, and going to the "running" display in Midlet Manager didn't help.
SO, I installed your version of midlet manager and tried again.
Now i've installed the gmail app and it isn't showing up in Midlet Manager at all!!
Help :(
Cool!!!
Works great on my Treo 750v
Cool man!
Works gr8 on my Treo 750v!
I downloaded the file and then went to the gmail.com/app site and downloaded that file. I then go into the MIDlet Manager and click on gmail. I keep getting a message saying Failed to run the MIDlet.
Malinda and others,
Google released a new version of the Gmail Mobile app, and it no longer works on the T-Mobile MDA with the JVM provided here.
I personally upgraded my Gmail Mobile app to the new version, and cannot use it. If anybody has the old Gmail Mobile app, please contact me by using the email address in the sidebar, and I'll post it here for everybody's use. Thanks!
Hi CJ -
Thanks for this great Blog. I've learned alot even after a year since your orignal post. Glad it's still going!
So I installed the midlet manager on my Treo 750 and Gmail is running fine.
I was wondering if the Gmail Icon would only be accessible by going into the midlet manager, or should I also be able to see an icon in my Programs folder or Desktop, for easy access? Right now, I could only find it in the midlet manager? Did I install something incorrectly?
Thanks much,
John
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