The testing phase will start Feb. 8 and will let Gmail users with a Workspace subscription choose between the old and new design. Later this year, the new design will become the final option.
Google announced a new Gmail layout that improves the integration of Google Chat, Meet and Spaces. For now, the redesign is being offered only to Google Workspace customers(formerly G Suite), the email suite’s business users.
Starting Feb. 8, you will see a pop-up where you can choose to try the new design. If you don’t or you’re not a fan, then we have bad news for you. Starting in April, it will be proactively rolled out to everyone and from the end of June, the new design will be the only option available.
The new layout focuses on Google’s other messaging services within the Workspace suite. Those now get separate screens within Gmail instead of floating windows in between your emails. Applications are also more accessible thanks to large buttons on the left side.
Google announces that the new design will have notification bubbles to let you know when other tools require your attention. In theory, this could work more conveniently than the potentially numerous chat windows hanging over your e-mail view as is the case now.
For Workspace customers only
Just last year, Google showed an ambitious plan to weave all its tools into a smart canvas. This redesign an important stop toward that future vision where you can conveniently switch between your inbox, important messages, video meetings or a spreadsheet without having to open another tab.
The redesign of Gmail is being rolled out to Google Workspace Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Education Fundamentals, Education Plus, Frontline, Nonprofit, G Suite Basic or Business account. Only Workspace Essentials customers will still have to make do with the “old” version of Gmail. You can read all the details about the rollout here.
Those eager to use the new design for their free Gmail account have to be disappointed. Google confirmed to The Verge that it will only be rolled out to Workspace customers.
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