Google is gearing up for a significant redesign of Gmail, revealed through the Early Adopter Program, promising a “new Gmail experience” set to roll out in the coming weeks. The redesigned Gmail will introduce features like Smart Reply on the web, native offline support, and improved integration with other Google apps such as Google Calendar directly from the Gmail app. Additionally, version 7.26 of the Google app is getting enhancements, including expanded capabilities for Google Assistant and Google Home.
Details from the Early Adopter Program were disclosed in an email sent to G Suite administrators, as reported by Android Police and 9To5Google. The redesigned Gmail desktop version will sport a clean and refreshed look, incorporating features like email snoozing (similar to Inbox) and Smart Reply for emails on the web interface. Smart Reply, initially rolled out to mobile versions in May last year, will now be available on the web. Gmail will also offer improved access to G Suite apps like Google Calendar and will introduce native offline support, expected to replace the Gmail Offline Chrome app by June.
The report also notes that numerous major Chrome extensions will continue to function with the updated Gmail experience, but caution is advised for developers before enabling the new experience within organizations.
In response to inquiries about these upcoming features, Google reportedly stated, “We’re working on some major updates to Gmail (they’re still in draft phase). We need a bit more time to compose ourselves, so can’t share anything yet-archive this for now, and we’ll let you know when it’s time to hit send.”
Additionally, an APK teardown reveals that the Google app on Android is set to receive new features, including email capabilities on Google Home smart speakers, removal of references to “Google Assistant for Households,” and enhanced capabilities on Assistant for making reservations and assisting with Stocks preferences.