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Gmail on the web will get the redesign it deserves in the coming weeks
- Google will redesign the Gmail for web in the coming weeks through an Early Adopter Program.
- In addition to a fresh coat of paint, the Gmail redesign includes new features — some of which Inbox already has.
Google recently gave Calendar on the desktop a fresh coat of paint, and looks to do the same for Gmail in the coming weeks, reported TechCrunch.
According to an email sent to G Suite customers, Google will introduce an Early Adopter Program (EAP) in the coming weeks that includes a redesigned Gmail for the web. Based on a mockup that Google showed off in May 2017, that redesign could adopt the company’s own Material Design standards.
The current incarnation of Gmail features separates your inbox into different categories, such as Social and Promotions. These categories are accessible either on the left side or as tabs above your emails.
Based on Google’s mockup that you see above, the redesigned Gmail for web does away with the tabs and generally appears like it does on mobile. Apart from adopting a white aesthetic, the redesign might also sport a larger search field at the top and eliminate the Hangouts integration currently seen on the bottom left.
Interestingly, the mockup also shows some actions you can take if you hover over an email, such as archiving, deleting, and snoozing.
Google is also bringing over some Inbox-exclusive features to Gmail. Snooze lets you temporarily hide an email and have an email reappear either hours or days later. Gmail will also get Smart Reply, which uses an algorithm to generate email replies. These replies can be curt, but are useful when you are in a rush and do not have time to type out a longer email.
The last tidbits are easier access to G Suite apps from within Gmail and offline support. The official Gmail Offline Chrome app already allowed Gmail to work without an internet connection, but starting June 2018, Gmail will natively support the feature.
Speaking of Chrome apps, Google warned that Chrome extensions are not guaranteed to work with the updated Gmail. As such, folks are advised to test their Chrome extensions before broadly enabling the updated Gmail.
According to the email, G Suite customers and regular Gmail users must join the EAP to access the updated Gmail. The final release might not be for a few months, though we will keep an eye out for more announcements.