Google is testing out additional features for its popular email client Gmail design after announcing many of their programs will be bundled into one. A series of leaked photos shows a much cleaner and simpler Gmail design than last year’s update. The redesign will allow users to organize email using several different category icons, including finance, travel, updates, promotions and social media. The tabs, included in last year’s updates, that divided emails into primary, promotions and social sections have been removed.
Noticeably missing as well are the stars that allowed users to keep track of important messages. Instead, Gmail will encourage users to pin important messages to the top of their inbox or use a snooze feature that will move the email back to the top at a set time. More importantly the addition of a brand-new menu flying menu will replace the menu of links housed on the current static menu. The new Gmail design is aimed at making the desktop version easier to view at all resolutions and aligned with the mobile version-an important step toward consistency.
Google is working toward updating most of their programs or getting rid of them all together to push Google+ as a one stop shop. On May 15, Google Hangouts will serve as the new home for the soon to be shuttered internet call function currently provided by Google Voice. SMS messaging for Android phones is already merged into Hangouts as an all-in-one landing pad to send and receive texts.
Last week it was announced that Google Maps user can now easily request a ride and view the time for an Uber car while searching for a location. Google hasn’t announced a release date for the new email features but as Geek reports the updates may be coming soon. This Gmail design update gives the impression that Google understands the power of the catchphrase “Google it.”