Google announced availability of a Gmail app for iOS devices (iPhone, iPod touch and iPad) although this was short-lived: the company subsequently said that “it contained a bug which broke notifications and caused users to see an error message when first opening the app.”

The search giant said it had removed the app from the store while the problem is corrected, and that it is “working to bring you a new version soon” – although so far no additional guidance has been provided.

Google said in a blog post that the app has been designed to include “time-saving features,” including push notifications and sounds, search across the entire inbox, autocomplete of addresses, and a split screen view in the iPad version.

It also enables users to create a “priority inbox,” scan emails on the same subject with threaded conversations, and organise mail by archiving, labelling, starring, deleting and reporting spam.

It runs on all devices using iOS4 or later.