Gmail’s new look arrives with streamlined conversations, elastic density, HD themes, and more

Jordan Kahn

As we first reported following a leaked promo video, Google is today rolling out a pretty big update to Gmail that will provide some major enhancements to the interface.

There isn’t much more included in the update than previously revealed, but the changes, including streamlined conversations, elastic density, new HD themes, improved search, and “smarter navigation”, were definitely worth the wait.

The “better search” comes from a new drop down panel that allows you to select filters and advanced search options, while smart navigation is part of the overall UI redesign allowing you to always see your labels and chat, as well as customize the items in the left pane. You can now use arrow keys to navigate the interface, too.

Elastic density is a nice addition, allowing you to select one of the three predefined settings that will control the spacing between items in your inbox. The settings include “Comfortable”, “Cozy”, and “Compact”. Streamlined conversations are perhaps the biggest and best change, providing a new dynamic conversation view seen below:
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Google launches GoMo mobile website initiative at Howtogomo.com

Jordan Kahn

Google will be holding a new event known as “Mobilizing Mobile” on November 14th (via Alabama Live) where they will open a storefront in downtown Mobile, Alabama and offer free developer services to build mobile (Android) optimized websites for businesses. Google will also cover hosting costs of the mobile websites for one year.

President of Red Square Agency Rich Sullivan (who organized the event on behalf of Goog) says the event kicks off Google’s larger “mobile-website initiative” known as “GoMo”. As noticed by Fusible, Google today made the Howtogomo.com website live, which provides the following description of the mobile-website development resource on its About page:

GoMo is a Google-led initiative dedicated to helping businesses “Go Mobile” by providing them with the tools and resources they need to make their websites more mobile-friendly. On the GoMo website, businesses can see how their sites look on a mobile device using the GoMoMeter tool and get personalized recommendations for creating a more mobile-friendly experience. The site also has information on current mobile trends and mobile site best practices, as well as a list of developers ready to help companies build their mobile sites.

The site is essentially a huge resource for businesses, organizations, and developers interested in learning more about optimizing their content for mobile. This includes Mobile Best Practices, Case Studies, and the Get Started tool for finding an agency you can hire to build your mobile site. There is also a GoMo Meter tool that lets you enter the URL of your site and test its mobile browser compatibility (a full PDF report can also be downloaded). Agencies interested in signing up to be listed as a vendor can do so here.
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Google soon launching “fantastic” native Gmail iPhone application?

Mark Gurman

MG Siegler reports that Google is “on the verge” of releasing a native Gmail client for the iPhone through the App Store. Gmail users have long complained over the lack of push Gmail for the iPhone, which this native application is said to bring. Siegler says the application will likely bring also bring Priority Inbox and one click starring. Of course, nobody says that this application has been approved or will be approved by Apple, so until then, don’t get too excited.

Cross posted on 9to5Mac.com

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“Try out Google Wallet in your city”- Google Wallet roadshow Oct. 17- Jan. 12

Jordan Kahn

Much like they recently did in the streets of San Francisco, the Google Wallet team is partnering with Sprint and Samsung to bring demos of the Mastercard-powered NFC payment tech to retail stores in Chicago, Washington DC, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles between now and January. In addition to trying out Google Wallet on a Samsung Nexus S demo unit during one of the half-day events, you’ll get $10 towards your purchase in the process. The events have already kicked off this month in New York and Chicago.

The roadshow will be hitting various retail locations including Jamba Juice, Walgreens, Foot Locker, Duane Reade, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Chelsea Market, and Fat Witch Bakery, among others. You can check out the times (which are all in EST) at the full event calendar here. Dates for the five cities are listed below:
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Google+ now available to Google Apps users

Jordan Kahn

We knew it was coming when Google’s Vic Gundotra told us it was just “a number of days”, and less than a week later Google has officially announced Google+ for Google Apps users. Apps users will have access to the same features as regular Google+ users and those who have new services set to automatically enable will notice the service become available for all members over the next few days. Apps users will also have the ability to share with everyone in an organization when making a post, opposed to only being able to select to share publicly or with a circle.

You will be able to enable Google+ for your organization or for select members by clicking the “Organization & users” tab, followed by the “Services” sub-tab, and selecting “ON” next to Google+ under “Other Google Services”.

There will also be a migration tool in the next few weeks for those who started using Google+ with a regular Google account and want to switch to their Google apps account. This will allow you to import your ciricles and also allow you to remain in other people’s circles while switching to the new profile. Note: Google+ for Apps users requires Picasa Web Albums and Google Talk for chat services to be enabled.

Here’s the Admin video on how to enable your org:

As part of the announcement, Google also gave a list of Google Apps for Education universities that are rolling out Google+ to their campuses:

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Google Map Maker for Canada goes live

Jordan Kahn

Canadians are getting a little bit of love today from Google as Google Map Maker for Canada officially goes live. The project has been available in the U.S. since earlier this year and elsewhere since 2008, but now Canadians too can add local geographic data to Google Maps.

By heading over to www.google.ca/mapmaker, you can now start adding points of interest (adding/naming buildings, restaurants, schools, etc.), rivers, trails and roads, or update existing landmarks to make them more accurate. Of course all of your edits will first have to be approved for accuracy by Google engineers before being displayed on Google Maps.

The tool isn’t too difficult to use. You can easily select a route for a bike path or newly constructed road, drop a familiar red pin to add a point of interest, or draw a shape to add a building or landmark. You’ll already notice a lot of edits and additions to the Canada map, as Canadian Google employees have been testing out the tool in preparation of today’s launch.
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