Gmail has given its users the option to switch to a new look with new features for the popular e-mail service.
The news comes as the company also announces it has come up with a new Gmail app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
In its review of the changes, a story on The Washington Post noted it is now easier to read “long chains” of threads on Gmail. Pictures on the profiles will let users follow who said what. Users can also change density of the Gmail display. Spacing “automatically” changes “based on the kind of display you’re using,” the company adds.
In addition, users can change the size of the chat and label panels, and there are improved search features, as well as smarter navigation.
There is also an advanced search option – making it easier to find something.
It was also reported that the app may offer “push notifications and will likely include priority inbox and one-click message flagging” as well as “Google+ integration,” according to The Post.
In its review of the new options, Mashable commented, “The changes … allow Gmail users much more control over the look of the service. You can drag sidebars around to your preferred size and width, choose from a wider selection of high-resolution background pictures, and decide whether you want lots of email on your screen or more white space between mails…. Heavy Gmail users will also be pleased to learn that there’s a new search function — that is, you can now access Advanced Search by clicking on the search bar. Conversations have been condensed, and profile pictures added.”
It was also announced that users who want the “new look” can click on a “Switch” option in the bottom-right of Gmail, according to a blog post from Jason Cornwell, a user experience designer for Gmail.
In a related matter, Gmail is offering details on the new app.
“We’ve created a new Gmail app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch,” Matthew Izatt, Gmail product manager said in a Wednesday blog post. “We’ve combined your favorite features from the Gmail mobile web app and iOS into one app so you can be more productive on the go. It’s designed to be fast, efficient and take full advantage of the touchscreen and notification capabilities of your device.”
In September, TechZone360’s Carrie Schmelkin noted how Gmail upgrades back then let mobile users sign into multiple accounts simultaneously.
The service also offered users a mobile-specific signature which informed the recipient that the sender of the message was responding to an e-mail via a mobile device, TechZone360 added.
Ed Silverstein is a TechZone360 contributor. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.Edited by
Rich Steeves
