As Google prepares to release a revamped version of Gmail, a few new features have leaked, including a ‘self-destructing emails’.
The improved design includes features such as offline support, smart replies and a snooze option to deal with annoying messages.
But it may also include some intriguing tools like expiring emails and a ‘confidential mode’, according to TechCrunch.
Google is preparing to launch a new version of its popular email service Gmail. It may include features like self-destructing emails and a confidential mode, according to TechCrunch
A series of screenshots show how the new version of Gmail will give users greater controls over their emails via new tools in the ‘Compose’ window.
Clicking on a lock icon in the window will open a popup that tells users they can set a date for when the email will ‘self-destruct’, as in they’ll be destroyed after a certain amount of time expires.
Users can set an email to expire after one week, a month or after a couple of years.
It also gives users the option to turn on confidential mode, which means that the recipient will be unable to forward, download or print the email. They also can’t copy and paste content from the message.
Another feature allows users to require recipients to confirm their identity with a passcode sent via text message.
It’s unclear if the passcode feature will work for non-Gmail users, TechCrunch noted.
A new design for Gmail will be rolled out in the ‘coming weeks’. The improved design includes features such as offline support, smart replies and a snooze option to deal with annoying messages
Google is hoping the update will give a ‘fresh, clean look for Gmail on the web’ – although it has revealed very few details.
It’s likely that Google will release the new version of Gmail at its I/O developers conference, which starts on May 8, according to the Verge.
The new design features a sidebar with the option of using the Calendar, Keep note-taking app and tasks next to user’s emails.
This could make it easier to schedule meetings and check availability while emailing people.
A default view highlights attachments such as documents and photos, a comfortable view doesn’t show attachments, and a compact view shows more messages.
G Suite administrators, who manage the online Google domain, gave some details of the design to 9to5Google.
The update will be first be available as an early access program for G Suite customers and people with personal accounts (stock image)
They said Google apps will be better integrated with ‘easy access’ to services like Calendar from within Gmail.
The ‘snooze’ button will also temporarily hide emails from user’s inbox until a certain time.
Both Snooze and Smart Reply are part of Google’s Inbox app on Gmail.
Google is also reportedly moving the existing stand-alone app, Gmail Offline, to a web-based variant.
‘We previously announced that we’re moving Chrome apps, like Gmail Offline, to the web. As part of this effort, we’ll introduce native offline support in the new Gmail experience by June 2018,’ Google said.
‘We’ll provide more details about this new offline setting and the eventual shutdown of the Gmail Offline Chrome app in future communications on the G Suite Updates blog.’
The update will be first be available as an early access program for G Suite customers and people with personal accounts.
It’s likely that Google will release the new version of Gmail at its I/O developers conference, which starts on May 8, according to the Verge
Sources say that popular Chrome extensions should continue to work in the new Gmail.
‘We’re working on some major updates to Gmail (they’re still in draft phase)’, a Google spokesperson told MailOnline.
‘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.’
Recently the company release a new design for Google Calendar with modern icons and colours.
The design – which looked more like the mobile app – could give a clue as to how the latest update will look, writes the Verge.
The design looked more like the mobile app meaning Gmail itself could be updated in a similar way.