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Gmail Upgrade is here!

Google has been working hard on a Gmail revamp.  They have cleaned up the interface to look more crisp and modern while letting you do more without leaving your inbox.  They have added some new features like 'Snooze', 'Smart reply',  and 'Nudge', along with some upgraded security features.  The Gmail upgrade should be available to us in the next few weeks (or days!).



Upgraded Inbox

Google has created a 'cleaner' look with updated and easier to find buttons.  Along with the visually cleaner interface,  you can now access more Google apps you use like Calendar, Keep, and upgraded Tasks through a sidebar without leaving your email.  Click here for a 'Cheat Sheet'.


You can also find attachments quickly, access commonly used button more easily, or Snooze an email.  



What does Snooze do?  Let's say you receive an email which requires more time than you currently have.  You might need to do some research, your response might be lengthy, or it might be a sensitive topic.   Click Snooze, and the email will reappear in your inbox at the time you define. 

Artificial Intelligence helps you stay on top of your email

Google has added a couple very helpful AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools to help you stay organized.

Nudge

With the volume of email we all get, it is easy for something to 'slip through the cracks'.  With Nudge, Google will 'proactively remind you to follow up' on older messages.


Smart Reply

Smart Reply has been part of the Google Mobile app for some time.  Google now introduces this wildly popular capability to their web app.  Using their incredibly adept algorithm knowledge, Gmail will provide three likely responses to an email.  Instead of typing, you can click a response and then send your email!


Mobile Updates

Google has added two mobile updates for their mobile app:

Notifications   

You can now choose to receive notifications for IMPORTANT emails only!  This helps keep you focused while giving you peace of mind knowing you will see anything critical.  (You may remember from my recent blog post about email productivity that notification interruptions are very damaging to focus!)

Google will notice if you don't read newsletters and other types of subscription service emails.  They will provide you an easy way to unsubscribe from them - saving you lots time in the future.  (Unsubscribing from these types of emails is a top productivity tip given by experts.)

Security

Possibly already enabled, Google provides a big red banner message if their systems detect an unusual occurrence.  For example, the phishing scheme last week involving Mike's email would have alerted you that you had never had contact with that email address before (Not mmastrullo@concordcarlisle.org).


When - It's here!

Google is not following their normal release protocol for this roll-out, perhaps because of the number of Gmail users they have.  (Estimated 1.4 Billion users (1)).  They have begun the roll-out, but aren't publishing specific release dates.  However, we are a rapid release District, so sooner rather than later will be the rule!

If you have a personal Gmail account, you can begin using the new Gmail now by clicking the Cog in the top right and selecting 'Use the new Gmail'.


1.  Google's Biggest Redesign is Now Live!, https://www.theverge.com/2018/4/25/17277360/gmail-redesign-live-features-google-update
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