Shyam Sheth

Google has announced a new beta version of its iGoogle mobile offering for Apple's iPhone and iPod touch devices, as well as its own Android-based handsets.

Google mobile software engineers Dan Zivkovic and Zhen Wang said in a blog post that most users search on the handsets as a sort of "information snack."

"That's why iGoogle is so convenient on mobile devices. When you're waiting in line, you can check iGoogle on your phone for a quick 'info snack' even in areas with mediocre network coverage," they noted.

Google on Tuesday updated its Gmail and Calendar offerings for Apple's iPhone and Android-based mobile devices. When users access Gmail and Calendar through mobile browsers, Google promises an improved experience.

In Gmail, Google has improved the mobile user interface to make it easier to "message on the go." The search giant also unveiled what it is calling a Floaty Bar so common actions -- such as archive and delete -- are only a click away. Messages got a face-lift so labels look more like the Gmail labels users see on a desktop.