As it turns out, Apple iCloud and MobileMe push e-mail services have been suspended in Germany, owing to the recent patent litigation by Motorola Mobility. However, the push e-mail service remains unaffected when using desktops, computers and the web as well as services proffered by Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and other such providers.
Although current users will continue to get iCloud and MobileMe mails, the latest messages will be made available only when the Mail app has been opened. Alternately, the ‘Fetch New Data’ setting can be selected on the iOS devices to periodically get new mails onto the handset.
“Affected customers will still receive iCloud and MobileMe email, but new messages will be downloaded to their devices when the Mail app is opened, or when their device periodically fetches new messages as configured in iOS Settings. Push email service on desktop computers, laptop computers, and the web is unaffected, as is service from other providers such as Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync,” states Apple through a post on the support page of the company.
The changes can be done by tapping on the Settings options and then moving to Mail, Contacts and Calendars and opting for ‘Fetch New Data’, after which a time interval can be punched in for bringing the messages. This process can be followed to receive push emails via iCloud and MobileMe. Needless to say, these services have only been barred in Germany but are fully functional outside the borders of the country.
Current users in Germany can probably find solace in the fact that Apple is appealing the decision since it considers Motorola’s patent to be invalid.