Good news, Gmail fans. Google is experimenting with a new ability of Gmail to work offline, when an active Internet connection is not available. This feature relies upon the Gears platform, a browser add-by Google which can plug itself to Internet Explorer, Firefox and comes pre-installed in Chrome.

When offline, you’ll still be able to read retrieved emails, compose, and search. As and when Internet comes online, Gmail will automatically sync the changes you’ve made with Gmail servers. For instance, send unsent messages or check for new messages and retrieve them to your local cache. Take a look at this video tour:

How to get this feature?

Offline Gmail will be slowly rolled out this week to the English interface of Gmail. Here’s how to enable the feature:

1. Change the language & Country of your Gmail interface to English & USA.
2. Make sure you use a browser supported by Gmail Labs and Gears: Internet Explorer 7.0+, Firefox 2.0+, Safari 3.0+, and Google Chrome. You can’t use Gmail Labs in Internet Explorer 6.
3. Wait until this feature is added to your account. When you see "Offline Gmail" in Gmail Labs, enable the feature, save the changes and click on the "Offline" link that will be displayed next to your username.