Google presents the new version of Gmail web with new security and intelligent features. Do more without leaving your inbox, with easy access to apps including Calendar, Tasks and Keep. Smart Reply helps you respond to messages faster.
Go into settings and select "Try new Gmail"
I don't know what to make of this new interface. There are few things to like - the integrated calendar, tasks, smart replies etc. but the overall design is extremely incoherent.
I'm not even sure how the compose button made it through all those reviews before production release. Some UI elements seem to have slightly rounded edges (search bar) while others have fully rounded corners (compose, active item in the left side menu).
This also doesn't appear to be a full redesign. There are remnants of the older UI throughout the product:
- The settings pages weren't updated. Why?
- The account dropdown on the top right still has elements of the old UI
- Hangouts hasn't changed much
I also don't like the fact that buttons that were super clear in the past are no longer easy to recognize - back, archive etc. They have all been replaced with icons that you need to get used to.
Pros:Instant access to calendar, smart replies and the new tasks app (although it's very limiting)
Cons:Incoherent design (different elements have either fully rounded or partially rounded edges), compose button, old settings interface
Disappointed is how I'd describe my overall reaction to this "new Gmail." Lots of features borrowed from Google Inbox and some other competitors (Protonmail), but nothing resembling the reinvention of the "experience" of using email that I crave. "New Gmail" does not make actually dealing with email any more pleasant for me.
The most innovative thing about this is probably the "secure message" feature I saw promoted in the press release, but even that doesn't seem enabled yet on my account. But it's not something I would use more than a couple of times a year.
I still use Gmail for work, but have moved on to greener pastures with my personal email. The cost/benefit of Google invading my privacy no longer pans out.
Pros:Integrated calendar widget is cool. Some nice features brought over from Google Inbox (hover buttons, open attachments from list view).
Cons:Does not look great on big monitors. Also, do I really want AI reading my email for "Smart" Replies? Why can't I turn that off?
Loved the update of Gmail. Keep integration and the speed is so much better now. Can't wait to try it out for a while.
Pros:Keep FTW, Expiring Emails, Fast, UI/UX so much better
Cons:None so far
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