Google's big Gmail update makes your inbox smarter and more secure
Google's big Gmail update is finally here.
Today the company unveiled one of the biggest Gmail updates in recent memory, adding a slew of new productivity and security features to the service's desktop and mobile apps.
Among the new features: a new "confidential mode" that aims to, well, help keep messages confidential. With the feature, which is rolling out "in the coming weeks," everyday Gmail users will have access to advanced security features that have typically been limited to corporate email systems like Microsoft's Outlook.
This includes the ability to set expiration dates for specific emails (a la disappearing messaging apps like Signal), password protect emails, unsend messages, and the ability to prevent others from forwarding, printing, copying, or downloading sensitive messages (note that Google can't do anything to prevent screenshots, though, so plan accordingly).
Google says it's also redesigned its built-in security warnings that alert users to possible threats, like phishing. The new warnings were designed to be both more visible and easier to understand.
Besides making Gmail safer, Google is also adding a ton of features designed to help you get more done. This includes a new to-do list service called Tasks, which is available as both part of Gmail and as a standalone app for iOS and Android.
Tasks integrates with your Gmail inbox and other Google services, so you can seamlessly pull in to-do list items from your messages and add due dates to your calendar. And, speaking of the calendar, Google Calendar will be more readily accessible from your desktop inbox via a new side panel on the right-hand side of the screen.
Also on desktop: Google's finally adding its popular Smart Replies feature. Originally launched as part of the Inbox app in 2015, smart replies use artificial intelligence to automatically generate short replies personalized to your habits. The feature has been available in the Gmail app since last year, but this update marks the first time it's been available on the web, too.
Additionally, desktop inboxes will now have new shortcuts for archiving, snoozing, and deleting messages. And attachments will be directly accessible form the inbox view, so you don't have to open a message to view its attachment.
On the mobile side, Google's adding an additional notification setting to make alerts more manageable for people with overflowing inboxes. Called "high-priority notifications," the setting limits notifications to only the "most important" messages.
The company's also making it easier to unsubscribe from email lists, with one-touch shortcuts to unsubscribe links.
Gmail users who want to try out all the new features can do so now, but they'll need to manually opt in to the new version (Settings --> Try the new Gmail). It's also available to businesses that are part of Google's G Suite Early Adopter Program.
Topics Google
Karissa was Mashable's Senior Tech Reporter, and is based in San Francisco. She covers social media platforms, Silicon Valley, and the many ways technology is changing our lives. Her work has also appeared in Wired, Macworld, Popular Mechanics, and The Wirecutter. In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding and watching too many cat videos on Instagram. Follow her on Twitter @karissabe.
