Google ups the ante in email war, takes on Outlook with revamped Gmail

Ever since it dethroned Microsoft’s (MSFT) email service more than a decade ago, Gmail had a phenomenally successful journey just like its owner Google (GOOG, GOOGL). Over the years, both the email platforms underwent several modifications, still vying with each other to ramp up the user base.

In the largest revamp since the launch of its email service, Google added an array of new features to Gmail, with the primary focus on the wish list of its persistently demanding users. Eying a larger pie of the workplace, currently dominated by Microsoft’s Office 365, Google recently gave more teeth to its G Suite package by adding features like spreadsheet and instant messaging.

The new avatar of Gmail, the most widely used free-to-use digital communication platform with more than one billion users, is expected to give Microsoft’s Outlook a run for its money. The redesigned inbox could be the harbinger of a significant shift in the way people use emails to communicate and keep records. A striking change is its resemblance to Outlook, after the redesign.

Google added an array of new features to Gmail, with primary focus on the wish list of its users

In an attempt to make it smarter, Google has incorporated a ‘confidential’ option into Gmail, which bars recipients from downloading, copying and forwarding content sent to them. The refurbished To-Do app, with a handy mobile version, helps subscribers use the feature in a more productive manner.

Henceforth, Gmail will track user preferences and send alerts only when important messages hit the inbox of subscribers who make the necessary settings. Also, the smart reply option, which was available only on mobile so far, has been added to the desktop version. The overhauling has given Gmail a fresh and modern look.

Meanwhile, there are some not-so-impressive modifications also. The new Gmail comes sans the option to add messages to the calendar by clicking on the date and time. Also, there is a reduction in the number of e-mails displayed on the screen.