S3 Email client and IMAP.

[jeproject]

Hello,

For a while I have been using a Gmail account with the Android Gmail app. however I have now decided to split up my online services where I can.

I've noticed something using the Samsung stock email app whether used with Gmail or Fastmail.

If I read a message on my PC or other device the phone application still shows it as unread until I go into the message on the phone. This means that the LED on my phone still flashes and my status bar and email app icon show an unread email.

This is really the only reason I use IMAP tbh. I don't want to have to 'read' the email on every device I have. None of the reviews I've read on the other email apps mentions this problem and I can't find any settings for the Samsung app to change this.

 

[Crashdamage]

Try a different email client.

 

[jeproject]

Thanks. I was hoping for someone with expertise on imap to explain the reasons why and what to look for in a client. None of the reviews of the main ones mention this problem.

 

[chanchan05]

I think it's because the default email app in the s3 isn't push. It won't know that you have already read the email on your PC until the refresh cycle completes.

 

[jeproject]

Ok thanks. I will give k-9 a try. I'm not sure if fastmail supports push mail but now I can research push email with imap.

cheers mate.

 

[jeproject]

Yeah the K9 client works as I expect. Thanks to all those who replied.

I didn't want to go down the road of trying loads of different clients only to find they all acted in the same way. Finding an app that supported push was the key.

 

[Crashdamage]

Many users mistakenly believe that IMAP email can do push email by using the IMAP_IDLE command. It cannot. The IMAP_IDLE command, which I do *not* recommend using, is not *true* push email. IMAP actually is not capable of true push email or instant notifications. For more info lookup IMAP in Wikipedia or read this easy to understand explanation courtesy of the Enhanced Email FAQs:

http://quantumsolutions.us/forum/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=154

 

[john_g]

I use AquaMail for two email accounts, one POP3, the other IMAP. I tried other options, including k-9, but this was my favourite by far.

 

[jeproject]

Thanks a lot Crashdamage, that was very interesting although a little disappointing to find out.

You say you don't recommend IMAP_IDLE but there doesn't seem to really be a viable option. Does even the Gmail app work in this method or is that true push?

Maybe some clients have an IMAP_IDLE only when on WIFI option? I have unlimited data on the Three network however I don't want to be draining my battery when I'm not at home. I only need this functionality when I'm at my PC and my phone is in its cradle.

 

[Crashdamage]

The dedicated Gmail app does do true push notifications.

 

[chanchan05]

AFAIK the dedicated clients for the major email providers all do real push: Gmail, Outlook (for @outlook.com, hotmail and @live.com) and Yahoo!

Not sure about others like Yandex though.