Neil Jhaveri, the founder of Mimestream and former Apple engineer, shares insights into his journey from developing Mail and Notes to creating a specialized macOS email app for Gmail users. He discusses the challenges of building Mimestream, emphasizing the importance of user feedback and the struggles with traditional IMAP systems. Neil envisions Mimestream's future, including an iOS version and integration of advanced APIs. He also reflects on the evolution of workplace communication and advocates for smaller iPhones, underscoring the nostalgia for compact devices.
Mimestream focuses on unique Gmail features for macOS users where the official Gmail app is lacking.
JMAP offers technical superiority over IMAP but faces challenges in broad industry adoption.
Fastmail's efficient JMAP implementation improves processing speed and user experience in webmail.
Deep dives
Origin and Focus on Gmail API
Initially, my stream decided to focus on Gmail through its API abilities to offer unique features that traditional IMAP-based clients couldn't provide. The Gmail API enabled my stream to access Gmail's full feature set, providing enhanced functionality specifically tailored to Gmail users, creating a niche market on macOS where the official Gmail app wasn't available.
Future of IMAP and JMAP
While IMAP has its strengths and is rooted in existing standards, the introduction of JMAP, championed by Fastmail, offers superior technical benefits over IMAP in many aspects. JMAP's challenge lies in broad adoption due to the industry-wide standards shift required, with JMAP being perceived as technically advanced but facing hurdles in practical implementation and acceptance among email service providers and clients. The transition from IMAP to JMAP may coexist for an extended period, with JMAP's potential industry impact contingent on major service providers integrating the protocol.
Efficiency of Fastmail's JMAP Implementation
Fastmail's efficient JMAP implementation showcases the protocol's streamlined approach, delivering notable improvements in processing speed and responsiveness, particularly crucial for users facing high-latency connections. By utilizing JMAP in their webmail interface, Fastmail optimizes user experience through reduced round-trip latency, enhancing overall responsiveness and efficiency compared to traditional email clients.
Development Roadmap Prioritization and JMap Implementation
Prioritizing development roadmap tasks based on sustainability needs and simplicity of implementation, especially focusing on supporting platforms like iOS. Considering the potential benefits of JMap, a JSON-based approach that could enhance the app's functionality and attract a larger user base.
Business Model Evolution and Monetization Strategy
Transitioning from a free beta version to a subscription-based business model for MindStream, focusing on a sustainable pricing strategy to maintain the app's development and support. Exploring the challenges of pricing decisions in the productivity software market and catering to a user base that values efficiency and customization in email management.
Email's Enduring Relevance and Evolution
Reflecting on the enduring significance of email amidst advancements in chat platforms like Slack and internal communications tools. Embracing email for its interoperability, categorization capabilities, and personal database-like function while acknowledging the evolving user demands for more efficient email management tools and workflows.
Neil Jhaveri founded Mimestream, a macOS email app for Gmail users.
Stephen and David talk to Neil about his time at Apple, Mimestream's roadmap (including an iOS version and supporting non-Google services), and email's place in today's world.
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