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| Google announces a new integrated look for Gmail |
Google announced that the new Gmail format, which will change the way Google Chat, Meet, and Spaces integrate, will start a beta version in February, will become the default format in April, and will become the only option by the end of the second quarter of 2022. .
The new look brings other Google email tools to the Workspace suite that focuses on business, rather than the little windows floating next to your email. But you do get a private screen in Gmail that you can access via the big button on the left.
Google calls this new look and feel Integrated View, and if you're a Workspace customer, you'll quickly become familiar with it.
Google says you'll be able to schedule exams yourself from February 8th. If you haven't activated the new theme yet (Google says you'll be asked to do so at some point), you still have until April to switch to the new layout. But you can go back to the old look by doing the settings.
At the end of the second quarter, when the new format becomes the default Gmail experience, the option to go back to the old look will disappear.
Chats and meetings are handled in your existing Gmail layout on a single screen, which is useful if you want more data.
But for those who want to focus on one thing at a time, the new interface seems to allow easy access to other tools without having to always have them on screen.
Google wants to change the way you work in Gmail
The company says there are also bubbles that let you know if there are other tools that need your attention. This might be less distracting than listing all the chats to the left or right of the email, for example.
Google has shown that it wants to deeply integrate all of its business-related products. This theme gives you an idea of what the integration will look like, and tools like Spaces let you jump into your spreadsheets without leaving Gmail.
The company describes the new view as letting you easily switch between your inbox and important conversations, and join meetings without having to switch tabs or open new windows.
These services are also more integrated. Gmail search will display chat messages in the coming months. Similar to how you search Hangouts messages in Gmail.
Google says the full offer is available to users with a Business Starter, Business Standard, or Business Plus account.
It also works with Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Standard, or Enterprise Plus accounts. Plus Education Fundamentals, Education Plus, Frontline, Nonprofit, G Suite Basic, or Business.