Google announces big Gmail update with redesigned UI and new security features

Google has revealed the brand new version of Gmail, which comes with more than just visual changes. There are dramatic updates that have been made to the usability and most importantly, the security of the service.

One of the biggest changes is to the increase in security. Gmail now includes a confidential mode, that comes with a suite of features. Users can now send each other emails that have an expiry date, after which the email will no longer be available. To reduce the chances of an unauthorized person reading the email, the email can now be locked behind text message authentication and the recipient will have to enter the code sent over SMS to access the email.

The inclusion of new Information Rights Management controls make it possible to disable the option to forward, download, copy or print the emails that you send. Lastly, security warnings within Gmail have been revamped to make the threat more obvious while opening potentially risky email.

Gmail now also includes AI powered features, including Nudging, Smart Reply and high-priority notifications. Nudging will remind you to follow up on an important email so you don't forget. Smart Reply has been brought over from the mobile apps to the web to enable auto suggested replies to emails so you can one-click reply.

As part of the redesign, the UI now features buttons to archive, delete, mark as read and snooze on the items in your inbox, so you don't even have to open the email thread to access these features or mark the email individually and apply the changes. The side panel now integrates better with other G Suite apps. Offline capabilities allow you to search, write, respond, delete or archive up to 90 days of emails without internet connectivity.

Business users are getting the new Gmail starting today. Personal users will soon start seeing the option to opt-in from the Settings menu on the top right.

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