Thunderbird for Android is here

Thunderbird for Android is officially ready for productive use: Version 8.0 of the email client is being released for smartphones and tablets with Google's operating system for the first time. At least under the name Thunderbird because under the hood it is the further developed but already well-known K9 Mail.

A good two years ago, the developers announced that they would take over K9 Mail and develop it into a Thunderbird for Android. The first beta appeared in Google's Play Store at the beginning of October; however, the program is also available as open-source software on GitHub and for download on the Thunderbird website.

In the new version, the settings for the email client can now be imported from the desktop application. This works via a QR code or a file to be copied; instructions are available on the developers' support page. And anyone who has previously used K9 Mail can also transfer the configuration to Thunderbird.

The system requirement for Thunderbird is Android 5 or higher. As a next step, the developers are also planning to offer the email client via F-Droid. They are also calling on users to send them their desired functions via Mozilla Connect. There is now a separate and official community forum for support questions.

(fo)