Gmail's New-ish Look and Integration Updates

@LisaBerghoff/@MrKimDHS

 Originally posted In March- Revised and updated for 2022!

While Gmail's new user interface was been available since the summer, you may have noticed that all users who were on the "classic" view are now being automatically updated with no option to go back. So if you're still trying to get used to the new look, here is an older blog post highlighting all of the new changes. Enjoy!

Gmail is getting a relatively small update with more rounded corners and focuses on better integration between Google's main communication apps: Gmail, Google Chat, Google Spaces (think Slack, Discord, or even AOL chat rooms), and Google Meet. Essentially you can access the aforementioned apps in a full-screen format without having to create new tabs or switch between them. They began this integration process with Google Calendar and Keep a few years ago now, and has been widely viewed as a good move. 

Try it yourself

You can take a peek at the new interface by going to your settings. Click on "Try out the new Gmail View" and you may be surprised at how little actually changes. As mentioned, corners get rounder and the left bar UI gets a little cleaner. 

Integrations

So first off, heavy users of Google Chat, Meet, and Spaces will enjoy seeing a full-screen UI with their corresponding displays without having to switch tabs. You can toggle through each app by choosing from the left menu. Although the option exists if you'd still prefer chatting in a pop-up window:

Chat notifications are will now appear as bubbles that appear on the bottom left corner of the page. You can respond directly via the bubble, or you can chat via the pop-up window. 

The Bottom Line

These new integerations can be helpful if you utilize the various communication apps in Google. If you haven't jumped into Google Chat or Spaces yet, I highly suggest you give them a try. Here is a previous FTT Blog on Google Chat to assist you. If these changes are not enticing enough, enjoy the bubbles and rounded edges!