Google Nips and Tucks at Gmail for Lighter Reading

Google has introduced an updated look for its Gmail service, focusing on readability and search functions. Some see distinct signs of Google following a lead set by Facebook and other social networks. The company is interpreting email's present and future as more of a social network application than the standard, decades-old format of email, said Quinnipiac University's Rich Hanley.

Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) is rolling out a revamped Gmail, as it indicated it would earlier this year. Users can opt to use the new look immediately by clicking on the switch icon on the bottom-right corner of the Gmail page.

The core changes focus on better readability and as well as stepped -up search functionalities. Google has also tinkered with the interface so Gmail renders better on mobile devices.

An Overview of What's Different

Conversation view has been redesigned so users can read through email threads. The view now also shows profile pictures for contacts.
The navigation panel, found on the left, controls labels and chat contacts. It's been made customizable, giving users the ability to resize the labels and chat areas -- or hide the chat area entirely if they want.
There is a new advanced search panel as well as the ability to create search filters.
For users who access Gmail from multiple devices, Google has adjusted the spacing between the elements on the screen so that they automatically change based on the screen size and display. Users who want to stick with the denser view can adjust the density in the Settings menu.
Finally, Themes has been equipped with a new set of high-resolution images from iStockphoto.
"We think our users will quickly love the new themes, easy search tool, and the new conversation view with profile pictures," Google spokesperson Andrea Freund told TechNewsWorld.
"During testing we found that some people took a little time to get accustomed to the density of the new look, but after about a week almost everyone preferred the more airy layout."