Gmail users, prepare for change! From next week, Google will offer to try the next interface designed for its electronic messaging, before imposing it on everyone by the summer of 2022. Explanations.
Gmail is getting a makeover. The interface of Google’s messaging service, which has changed relatively little in recent years, will undergo a redesign to better integrate the other services of the American giant, in particular Chat, Meet and Space. As Google explains at his blog, it is not a question of revolutionizing the general environment of Gmail, but rather of giving it a little freshness with a touch of modernity, while improving its ergonomics. Small changes that will bring the interface and operation of the messaging system closer to the model adopted by Microsoft in its Outlook.com service. It should also be noted that this reorganization only concerns the Web version of the service, that which is used on a computer with an Internet browser. The Gmail mobile application, which evolves in parallel but independently, is based on another more “compact” interface, designed for “vertical” display on the screens of smartphones and tablets.
What will change in Gmail?
There’s nothing fancy about Gmail’s new look. The organization and display of messages remain unchanged. The novelties are to be found in the integration of other services. Until now, Hangouts, instant messaging, is limited to a small space renamed Discussions at the bottom left of the interface. And Google Meet, the video conferencing tool, manifests itself with a simple link. With the new interface, new buttons appear in a column placed on the left of the window. Chat, for instant messaging, Meet and even Space, the tool that allows you to quickly share a link, a video or a document with a group of contacts, thus find their place in Gmail for easier direct access. In addition, these buttons will be adorned with a notification badge as soon as an event occurs (invitation to a chat or a videoconference, new email, etc.).
When will the Gmail interface change?
From February 8, Google will invite you to try the new version of Gmail to get a clearer idea of how it works. If you don’t like it, it will always be possible to return to the interface you know today. Starting in April, all Gmail users will be offered the new interface by default. Again, it will be possible to return to the current model via a setting in the Gmail settings. However, towards the end of the second quarter of 2022, all users will have to adopt – and accept – the new interface, with no possibility of going back.
Who is affected by the new Gmail interface?
Almost everyone will be able to adopt the new Gmail interface. Google Workspace Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Fundamentals, Education Plus users as well as those running G Suite Basic or Business. Only users of Google Workspace Essentials are excluded – for the moment at least.