Google brings Buzz to mobile Gmail

Google has added its controversial Buzz social networking application to the mobile version of Gmail.

Mobile Buzz users had previously been able to post messages to the application, but can now have them sent straight to their mobile inbox if they choose to modify their inbox settings.

"With the latest iteration of Gmail for mobile, we have worked to integrate Buzz with your mobile inbox," said Alex Kennberg, a software engineer at Google Mobile, in a blog post.

"Now, you will see Buzz in your inbox on your phone just like you do in the desktop version of Gmail, complete with the little Google Buzz icon.

"When you open a Buzz post from your inbox, you can perform all the standard functions, such as liking the post or commenting, just as you can from the desktop Gmail inbox."

Google's decision to make the new Buzz feature optional, rather than the default setting, reflects the negative response to the earlier version.

The search firm posted new web pages this week that deal solely with Buzz and its privacy implications, and has also uploaded a new video showing how to safely manage Buzz social networking accounts.

Google product manager Todd Jackson explained that transparency is " important" to the firm, and that the new service will let users keep on top of their own settings.

"Offering transparency and control to everyone who uses our products is very important to us," he said. "This page highlights your current Buzz settings and makes it easy to change anything you want."

The new Buzz mobile features work on the iPhone and Android browsers.