For a while, one of my favorite email clients on my iPhone has been Spark by Readdle. It adds useful extra functionality like smart notifications (ensuring I only get notified about important and urgent messages not spam) and smart filtering of messages. However, I was hesitant to use it as it was limited to just the iPhone. For some people that might not be a problem but being someone who often prefers to do on an iPad what some people prefer to do on a iPhone, it was for me. Well luckily now Spark email client has come to the iPad as well and is said to be coming to the Mac too.
So why should you care about yet another email application?
What is Spark
Spark is a free email client for iPhone and iPad from Readdle, the company behind PDF Expert, Scanner Pro, Calendars 5 and more.
Spark is in line with many of the new generation of email clients featuring gestures, smart filtering into folders, and snoozing. Others in this group include Inbox, Cloud Magic and Outlook. However, Spark has a few features that make it stand out.
The Good
Firstly, I love the design. The deep blue background with the white actionable area helps to clearly define what you should focus on. The iPhone and iPad are designs are similar and yet they make the most of the size of each with the iPad having the option of seeing an email while keeping a list of emails in your inbox.
Spark has two other key features that really help it stand out, the first is actions from your inbox. You can send an email or attached file to Evernote, Instapaper or Google Drive.
Then there is the quick reply option which shows a list of options at the bottom of an email for quick messages such as agreeing or liking an email.
Finally, Spark has the option to customize many of its settings such as notifications, snoozing times and signatures.
The Bad
Personally, there is very little that I find bad in Spark. Although there are lots of options, they are hidden in the right place. The biggest feature missing that I have seen in other apps is the ability to add a task from an email like you can in Dispatch. It’s a shame that you can’t do this, especially in light of the actions to save emails and attachments to third party services.
Finally, there is no Mac app and for some, that will be a deal breaker. Many people like to have the same email interface and features across platforms. Readdle has said it is working on a Mac app and show off pictures so there is hope of it being added.
Wrapping Up
I love Spark, the addition of an iPad version made it replace dispatch as my client of choice. The smart interface, actions, and smart notifications make it a perfect choice for me.
Design: 4
Features: 5
Performance: 5
Value for Money: 5
Spark supports iPhone and iPad (Mac support said to be coming).
You can find Spark here.
Speak your mind...