Thunderbird for Android version 8.0 has been officially released, marking the first stable release of the mail client presented as a result of a merger with the K-9 Mail project. This new version continues the numbering of versions from K-9 Mail and retains all the standard capabilities, such as email encryption using OpenPGP, support for multiple accounts, and dark and bright design themes.
Users can find installation packages for Thunderbird for Android on Google Play, GitHub, and also on the project’s website, with plans for publication in the F-Droid catalog. The development of Thunderbird for Android is based on the K-9 Mail code base, focusing on aligning the appearance and functionality with the desktop version of Thunderbird.
The collaboration between Thunderbird and K-9 Mail reinforces their shared values of confidentiality, open development processes, and a vision for a modern mobile email application. This partnership provides both projects with additional resources, an expanded user base, and accelerated development efforts for future enhancements.
Key improvements in Thunderbird for Android compared to K-9 Mail include an interface design closer to the desktop version, folders styled with Material Design, seamless migration of settings from K-9 Mail to Thunderbird, updated support for the OAUTH protocol, enhanced mail folder management, and improved visual separation of read and new messages.