In a few weeks Gmail users will be able to access their account through POP for free with no advertisements.
Over the next several weeks, we are introducing POP access to all of our users. To make sure the feature is fully stable, we’re giving users access to POP in phases. Once POP access is available to you, a ‘New Features!’ link appears at the top of your account, along with a ‘Forwarding and POP’ tab on your ‘Settings’ page.
Source: Gmail: Help Center
It looks like Gmail is also planning antivirus protection soon. That is one feature desperately needed.
I can’t wait. 🙂