New Gmail is here, first impressions

By: Chenda Ngak
Topics: Tech Talk ,; Wired for Women

(Credit: Google)

(CBS) - Gmail has a new look that's clean and modern.

Google's design aesthetics has moved toward a more simple and clean design, since the rollout of Google+ over the summer. All products across the board are being overhauled. You may have already noticed the changes in Google Calendar or Reader.

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"That's one of the reasons we're embarking on a series of interface updates to help strip out unnecessary clutter and make Gmail as beautiful as it is powerful," said Google user experience designer Jason Cornwell. "This is part of a Google-wide effort to bring you an experience that's more focused, elastic, and effortless across all of our products."

(Credit: Google)

The new design takes a second to get used to, due to the fact that the default spacing is so different than the old version. There is an easy fix, however. Just click on the settings button on the top, right side of your inbox. There will be a drop-down menu with spacing options: comfortable, cozy or compact. If you scan hundreds of emails daily, like I do, the change of spacing helps maximize screen space.

The re-design also comes on the heels of a rumor that a Gmail app is coming. Tech Crunch columnist MG Siegler alleges that a native iPhone Gmail app is on its way, according to his sources.

Siegler postulates the app has already been submitted to Apple for review, which means it's only a matter of time before it launches.

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by jsf14 November 4, 2011 4:39 PM EDT: Two problems made me go back to the old interface. First instead of words Delete, Sent, and so on at the top of the msg list there are only icons. Second the screen is harder to read -- some problem with colors or contrast. The ad at the top of the msg list stood out in a distracting way. I also got tired of seeing correspondents' pix, though that would not be a deal breaker.; Reply to this comment


by Imthaid2 November 3, 2011 4:39 AM EDT: I think I don't like it. It is absent of color and definition. That makes it hard to differentiate between sections and features. It's like looking at a text editor like notepad. Calling this modern is accurate. In modern times companies like to strip everything down and the shove it down your throats as being "cutting edge".; Reply to this comment