it'll require an RFC or some other kind of standard, which will take a long time to finalize. then someone will have to write a reference spec server and client, then "real" versions in "real" languages, then get them both to the stability, security, and scalability of current imap clients and servers. then once big email providers (isps, google, etc.) start supporting it on the server end (gotta factor in all those different operating systems, authentication systems, storage systems, etc.), popular clients can support it. then work out all of the minor implementation details that some servers or clients get wrong (i think almost every smtp and pop3 server has hacks in it to support the stupid things outlook express does wrong), and then once everyone complains long enough, the iphone will finally get support for it (while a small but vocal minority shouts that android already supports it).
there is a reason why smtp, imap, pop3, dns, http, and all of the other core internet protocols are still around after 20 years and it's not because there aren't any faults in any of them.
If you are going for a clean design, you can go in the opposite direction too. I'm fairly sure Ethernet and html evolved from a working solution. Now, granted there should be a really clean and open interface if we are going to try and make it a standard, but it's often the easier approach.
You've got it backwards. Standardisation happens after first implementation, not before. The article author can deliver this functionality into a popular-enough client without waiting for anyone else.
If the benefits turn out to be worth it, maybe it'll go somewhere.
it'll require an RFC or some other kind of standard, which will take a long time to finalize. then someone will have to write a reference spec server and client, then "real" versions in "real" languages, then get them both to the stability, security, and scalability of current imap clients and servers. then once big email providers (isps, google, etc.) start supporting it on the server end (gotta factor in all those different operating systems, authentication systems, storage systems, etc.), popular clients can support it. then work out all of the minor implementation details that some servers or clients get wrong (i think almost every smtp and pop3 server has hacks in it to support the stupid things outlook express does wrong), and then once everyone complains long enough, the iphone will finally get support for it (while a small but vocal minority shouts that android already supports it).
there is a reason why smtp, imap, pop3, dns, http, and all of the other core internet protocols are still around after 20 years and it's not because there aren't any faults in any of them.