“Beginning November 22, 2011, we will end support for the Gmail App for BlackBerry ( installed native app).
 
Over this past year, we’ve focused efforts on building a great Gmail experience in the mobile browser and will continue investing in this area,” Google said. However, users who have already downloaded the app may continue to use it.

Despite Google deciding to stop Gmail App, it would not affect BlackBerry users who seek access to Gmail. They can still use RIM’s native support which would get synchronised with Gmail, said the RIM spokesperson in India.

The development comes in the wake of intense competition building up in the smartphones market, where Android- based mobiles have taken a lead. Reacting to the development RIM said, “ RIM is known for providing an industry leading mobile communications experience.

Since 2009, RIM has incorporated native support for Gmail in BlackBerry OS 5.0 and above, which means that a separate Gmail app is not required. The large majority of users who access Gmail on their Black- Berry smartphones already rely on the native support ( provided through BlackBerry Internet Service) rather than the separate Gmail app.