You may have seen rumors circulating online that Google is sunsetting Gmail, one of its most popular apps. These rumors are not entirely surprising, given Google’s history of killing its apps.
However, in this case, the rumors are false – Gmail is not going away, but one way of accessing it is.
What is Ending for Gmail?
The company is sunsetting Gmail’s basic HTML view starting February 2024. Google has updated its support page to announce the discontinuation of Gmail’s basic HTML view.
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This view, which provides a stripped-down version of Gmail, will be automatically switched to the Standard view after the said deadline. Users who have been using the new Gmail view will not experience any changes, unless they have specifically requested the basic HTML view.
The basic HTML view of Gmail lacks several features found in the standard version. It does not include chat, spell checker, search filters, keyboard shortcuts, or rich formatting.
However, it has been useful for users in low-connectivity areas or those who prefer a simpler email experience. It is unclear whether Google plans to introduce a mode specifically for low-connectivity situations.
Why Focus on the Standard View?
The standard view allows full access to Gmail’s continually expanding suite of AI functionalities. This includes the new Duet AI compose feature for draft assistance and Gmail integrations with Gemini, Google’s conversational AI chatbot.
Moving all Gmail users to the standard view centralizes access to these AI tools for enhanced email efficiency.
For example, Duet AI can provide autocomplete suggestions, remind you of missing attachments, and refine formality – helping you write better emails with less effort.
Gemini integrations let you analyze information from your inbox on demand for quick insights. The increased reliance on AI is aimed at making Gmail more adaptive to user needs.
Preparing for the Future of Mail
The retirement of Gmail’s most basic view marks Google’s commitment to developing innovative communication solutions. As Gmail remains one of the world’s most popular email services, upgrades like AI integrations cater to users’ needs to write better, access relevant information faster, and generally get more out of their inboxes.
While the core mail service remains unchanged, Gmail is getting smarter. Moving forward, users can expect more automated features that simplify tasks that once required manual attention.
The standard view will provide a foundation for Google to deploy the latest AI, helping users streamline productivity.
The basic HTML view is a relic of the past – the standard view is what will power the future of Gmail. Google is encouraging all users to embrace this shift.
