Google has rolled out a massive update to Gmail.
The update, which is primarily for the web version of Google’s email service, brings new security and artificial intelligence features. Here’s everything that’s new:
IMPROVED SECURITY
Google is well aware of the increase in scam and phishing emails. That’s why it’s introducing better security alerts in Gmail which should mean users never click on a fake message again.
When Gmail spots something it thinks is a threat it now alerts users with a bold red alert across the message. Not only are these warnings now more noticeable but also contain clear and simple to understand instructions on why they shouldn’t be opened.
CONFIDENTIAL MODE
Users worried about the contents of an email can now send a message in something Google calls Confidential Mode. This new feature gives the sender more control over how the email is used once in the recipient’s inbox.
Settings can stop the message getting forwarded to other people and even blocked from being downloaded or printed. There’s also the ability to require additional authentication via text message before an email can be viewed.
NUDGE, SMART REPLIES AND SNOOZE
With our inboxes usually swamped with messages, it’s easy to miss something important. Now Gmail will give you a nudge if it thinks you’ve let something slip.
This feature also moves the message further up the inbox to help remind you that it needs action. Google says it uses clever automated AI to work out which emails deserve a nudge so your Gmail always stays private and secure.
Another option to help get through the daily barrage of emails is Smart Reply which lets you quickly answer with an automatic response. This feature has been available for a while on the mobile app but you’ll now find it on the web as well.
Google is also introducing new features to help you minimize interruptions and clutter. High-priority notification is a new setting that only notifies you of important messages, keeping interruptions to a minimum.
One final update to help to manage your email is the snooze function which disables a message until a set time.
EASILY UNSUBSCRIBE FROM SPAM
This is a nice touch and should help reduce your email clutter. Gmail can now recommend when to unsubscribe from mailing lists.
Using intelligence, unsubscribe suggestions appear based on cues like how many emails you get from a sender and how many of them you actually read.
You’ll start to see these notifications show up in your inbox over the coming weeks.
A NEW LOOK
As well as these new features there’s also a new look coming to Gmail. This brings a less-cluttered appearance and also better integration with Google’s vast array of apps.
A new side panel shows services such as Google Calendar with interactions then available via a simple click and drag.
Users can also now hover over messages (you don’t have to click into them) to do things like RSVP to a meeting invite or archive an email thread.
