Leak shows popular Inbox features on Gmail

by Alan Friedman / Feb 02, 2019, 5:16 PM

Leak shows popular Inbox features on Gmail

Google is expected to shutdown the Inbox app next month. The search giant wanted to use the app as a way to test new email features that could later be moved over to Gmail. Now that Inbox is shutting down, it seems that Google is testing some of the app's features on the Android version of Gmail. A Reddit user (as spotted by XDA) recently posted a screenshot that shows the new Material Design UI for Gmail, and more.

The Redditor claims that the screenshot came from a Google Internal Testing build and includes some features found on Inbox. One such feature is "Bundles," which groups similar email together making it easier for the user to respond to them all at once, and then delete the group with a single swipe. If you look at the screenshot, you'll see the heading Tech News, which reveals that Google is testing "Bundles" for Gmail.

The screenshot also shows that Google is testing users' ability to "pin" emails on Gmail. This feature, found on Inbox, will allow you to take an email that you need to read again, or follow up on, and return it to the inbox. You can also use this feature to "pin" emails you want to save, and sweep the others away. This will quickly clean up your inbox. And if you're in a rush, tapping on the pin icon at the top of the screen will show pinned email only, allowing you to focus on those missives that are important and need a response right away. And at the very top of the screenshot, a reminder appears; this is another Inbox feature that could end up in Gmail.

While we don't know when and if these and other Inbox features are going to end up in Gmail, it certainly would make sense for Google to do this with time running out on the Inbox app.

Leaked screenshot shows some Inbox features being tested on Gmail

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10 Comments

1. jjface

Posts: 215; Member since: Jun 07, 2017

I just want a way to turn off those contact pictures and circles with letters in then. Whoever came up with the letter in a circle idea that lots of email apps use ought to be ashamed. outlook for android also refuses to let you turn them off.

posted on Feb 02, 2019, 5:22 PM 1

7. ullokey

Posts: 174; Member since: Jul 28, 2015

You should try the email app that comes installed on Sony phones. Not sure if it available for download on playstore though

posted on Feb 03, 2019, 3:50 AM 2

2. Cat97

Posts: 1774; Member since: Mar 02, 2017

I am thankful that Inbox will disappear, it was simply illogical. The "mark as done" feature (equivalent to "mark as read" in Gmail) removed the emails from inbox, instead of simply marking them are read and leaving them there. This "feature" alone (combined with the stubbornness of the team regarding fixing it) probably contributed 99% to its failure.

posted on Feb 02, 2019, 5:36 PM 0

3. jmill75

Posts: 122; Member since: Jul 22, 2009

failure? It was always supposed to be a "beta" product.

posted on Feb 02, 2019, 6:11 PM 1

8. middlehead

Posts: 447; Member since: May 12, 2014

I hated Inbox too, but you seem to fundamentally misunderstand the product. "Mark as Done" removing it from Inbox's view was half the point of the app. It was made to push the "Inbox Zero" concept, where you do everything possible to have your Inbox folder emptied. They weren't "being stubborn about fixing" it, it was doing exactly what they wanted. And MaD didn't delete anything, just Archived it.

posted on Feb 03, 2019, 1:31 PM 2

10. buccob

Posts: 2952; Member since: Jun 19, 2012

I loved Inbox to the point that, now being "forced" to return to Gmail is extremely frustrating... however I will adapt I guess... I used Inbox for work and gmail for personal email at first, but I started liking it so much that I went full Inbox up until recently.... oh well...

posted on Feb 03, 2019, 7:12 PM 1

4. Razrman

Posts: 100; Member since: Dec 05, 2011

I love that pin feature, hopefully it makes it to Gmail.

posted on Feb 02, 2019, 6:53 PM 4

5. djkhalid

Posts: 156; Member since: Jul 01, 2013

it's bs that they're shutting down inbox, i use it everyday as it is miles ahead of gmail

posted on Feb 02, 2019, 9:20 PM 6

9. smileogeo1013

Posts: 17; Member since: Feb 07, 2018

I totally agree. I like Inbox much better than Google so I hope they move over all it's features. I like the little preview feature below the email if there are attachments or a snippet of an appointment or map or whatever that appears just blow the email. Hope those move over.