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Gmail for iOS updated with new inbox grouped by category & improvements to notifications

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Gmail-inbox-iOS-categoriesAs expected, Google just started rolling out its brand new inbox to iOS users after first introducing us to the new category-based design last week. While its not a tabbed design like on the desktop, much like the Android app that just started rolling out iOS users can now access the new feature that groups emails into separate inboxes by selecting categories from the app’s side navigation bar.

 Meet the new inbox: If you’ve enabled the new inbox, your mail is now grouped into categories so that you can see what’s new at a glance and decide which emails you want to read when. Primary mail is shown first and it’s easy to access and keep track of email in other categories by opening the menu. Configure this feature by going to Gmail.com on your computer.

Today’s Gmail update also brings improved notifications allowing you to customize what emails you receive notifications for:
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Google Calendar for Android updated with custom colors & redesigned date/time pickers

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Google announced briefly on its official Android blog last night that a new update to the Google Calendar for Android app would be rolling out and with it comes a couple highly requested features.

First off, Google is adding new customization options including the ability to select colors for calendar entries directly from on the device. It’s also including redesigned date/time pickers and making it easier to schedule repeating events:

For all of you world travelers, our redesigned timezone picker makes it simpler to find the region that you’re looking for, whether you’re in San Francisco, Tokyo or Zurich…Finally, it’s easier to schedule repeating events. You can now set events to repeat every Tuesday and Thursday, every month, or every 7 weeks, it’s completely up to you… Adding events is now easier and more fun with our redesigned date and time pickers, which let you schedule your special dinner date or the start of your well-deserved vacation in a snap.

Leaked screenshots show redesigned Gmail with ‘Categories’ feature to sort emails by content

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The image above is being passed around by an anonymous tipster this evening that claims to have screenshots alongside some new information about an upcoming version of Gmail for both the web and mobile devices.

According to the tipster, the update Gmail for web will have new Category tabs that organize emails into separate inboxes based on the content within (as pictured above). Examples given include Main (for family, friends and everything that doesn’t belong in another category), ‘Social’ for emails related to social networks, ‘Offers’ for promotional material, ‘Notifications’ for reservations, bills, etc, and ‘Forums’ for mailing lists and forums.

We have no way of verifying the legitimacy of the tip, but it’s an interesting concept nonetheless and it will apparently also be hitting the new Gmail mobile apps when it begins rolling out this Wednesday…
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Google shows off a redesigned Gmail app for Android with side navigation drawer?

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In a Google I/O presentation titled “Structure in Android App Design,” Google might have given us a sneak peak at what’s to come for the Gmail Android app. Much of the talk focused on the new navigation drawer that is already present in the latest Google app updates including Earth and Shopper for Android. One slide, as pointed out by AndroidPolice, appears to show off a redesigned Gmail app equipped with the sliding drawer for navigating inboxes (similar to Gmail on iOS) and a number of other tweaks including the removal of the navigation buttons along the bottom of the app. We’ll have to wait and find out for sure if this was simply a mock up for the presentation or the next redesign of the official Gmail app for Android. 
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Google+ Stream redesigned with three column view, intelligent hashtags, responsive design

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Google+ will receive a card-based interface redesign featuring a new three column view. The new interface is responsive to the user’s display size. The new multi-column view is customizable meaning you can toggle back to the previous single column view if you prefer.

Google+ will also begin rolling out intelligent hashtags for photos, meaning if you post a photo of the Eiffel Tower, Google+ can automatically recognize the subject and appropriately tag it for you.

Users will now be able to view related photos by clicking on the current photo and seeing related hashtags on the flip side of the photo. A video below highlighting the related hashtag feature is below.


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Google confirms redesigned Google Play Store, begins rolling out

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An updated Google Play with an image-centric design will be rolling out to all Android devices running Froyo (2.2) and up over the next few weeks, the Official Android blog confirmed. The redesign focuses on connecting ‘similarly themed’ content so apps, songs, and movies of the same genre are grouped rather than scattered everywhere.

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Perhaps it’s too soon to  state this with any certainty — surely this update has been in the works for some time now — but we may already be seeing the influence of Facebook Home on app design, at least as it pertains to the use of larger imagery and simplified interface. Something to keep an eye on at the very least.

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Twitter releases redesigned Android app with new features

android_new designOn top of rolling out support for new Twitter cards for developers that will allow users to launch and install apps directly from within tweets, Twitter today released an overhauled Android app that finally follows the Android 4.0+ Holo design theme:

We just released a new version of Twitter for Android. Its new design reflects a native Android experience: wider and taller timelines that fill the screen, a flat navigation bar, tap and hold for quick actions, and more. You can now quickly navigate between tabs by swiping across your screen. And as you type your Tweet or search, you’ll see username and hashtag suggestions, making it easier to connect with friends and join conversations.

Other improvements in the updated app include @username and #hashtag auto suggestions when typing in search for composing a new tweet, as well as the ability to install and launch apps from developers that support a new mobile app deep-linking feature Twitter outlined on its developers blog.

The updated Twitter for Android app is available on Google Play now.

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Gmail’s new compose window rolling out as default for all users starting today

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We told you in October that Google began to test a redesigned compose and reply window in Gmail for a number of users. Google was previously allowing users to opt in and out of using the new feature that lets users compose and reply to multiple messages at once while still navigating the inbox. The company announced today that it is beginning to roll out the feature as the default for all users:

In addition to telling us what you love about the new compose experience (like how much easier it is to multitask!) you’ve also been sending us helpful suggestions for what features you’d like to see added. As a result of your input, we’re now ready to introduce the new compose experience as the default for everyone. We’re looking forward to hearing what you think!

The new compose experience will be available as default to all users in the next few days. Google didn’t’ specify whether users will still be able to switch back to the old compose style.

Google updates Gmail web app with new UI inspired by iOS apps, improved search & Calendar integration

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Google announced today that it updated the mobile web app for Gmail and the Gmail Offline Chrome app with a refreshed UI and new features similar to recent enhancements to its iOS apps. On top of the redesigned visuals, Google also included improvements to search and Google Calendar integration:

Today we’re rolling out a similar refreshed look to the Gmail mobile web app as well as Gmail Offline (http://goo.gl/0f1ae) that includes many of these same changes. Try it out at gmail.com in the browser of your Android, iOS, Blackberry or Kindle Fire device.

Google noted it decided to implement a design for its web apps similar to its iOS offerings after receiving positive feedback since first launching the new iOS design in December.


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New YouTube One Channel design coming soon

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YouTube has announced on its official Partners and Creators blog that the new YouTube One Channel, currently only available in limited beta to select content creators, will soon roll out to all. YouTube content creator iJustine made the announcement. A number of other channels are also using the new design, including: DeStorm, EpicMealTime, SORTED, MysteryGuitarMan, LOUD, and Geek & Sundry.

YouTube provided some tips for content creators who want to prepare for the new channel layout:

1) Create a channel trailer to get people to subscribe

On your new channel, you can show a trailer that will only appear to viewers who aren’t already subscribed to your channel. This is your chance to let visitors know what your channel is all about and tell them why they should subscribe!  Keep it short and to the point, and include a clear call to action inviting your audience to subscribe.

2) Create some channel art

Channel art is how you can express the personality of your channel wherever it is seen, whether on a mobile phone, a tablet, a TV, or in a hovercard anywhere on the site!  Here is a template and guidelines on how to start creating channel art that will look great.

Google testing new mobile site

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[tweet https://twitter.com/nerderk/status/256020893275414529]

As Google has done with past updates to its products, it appears to be testing a redesigned version of its mobile homepage with a small group of users. A 9to5Google reader noticed the change on Android. There were also reports of iOS users noticing a new UI. As highlighted in the image above, the updated Google mobile website includes a redesigned top toolbar that looks similar to the desktop version. The redesigned toolbar also provides access to a slide-out sidebar that contains quick links to all of Google’s services as opposed to a top bar containing just a few tabs for “Images”, Maps”, “Places”, “more”, etc. The toolbar provides links to the “Web” and “Images”, as well as Google+ notifications and profile information. It is possible Google will push the redesigned UI to all users soon.

Google Search iPhone app completely redesigned for speed and full screen searching

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Google updated its Google Search iPhone app to version 2.0.0 today, which introduced a completely redesigned app that focuses on improvements to speed and full screen browsing features. Among the new features are an auto full screen mode that hides controls when scrolling down and reveals when scrolling up, and a new full-screen image search view.

The updated app also includes “major speed improvements,” a built-in text finder for webpages, and quick links to Gmail, Calendar, Docs, and search options such as images, places, and news. The iPad did not receive the same update, but both the iPhone and iPad will now be able to save images to the iOS camera roll.

A full list of features is below, while the updated app is available on the App Store now.


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Google Map Maker gets redesigned with Google’s new look

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Following redesigns across the majority of Google services over the past couple of months, the company is rolling out a new version of Google Map Maker today that brings it up to date with the look and feel of the new Gmail, Docs, etc. The new app doesn’t appear to add any new functionality, but aims to make its main features easier to use for the average user.

You may have seen our ongoing efforts to improve the look, feel, and user experience across many other Google products to date. And with Google Map Maker available in the United States, Canada, and more than 180 other regions, it’s time for another makeover. Today, we’re revealing a new version of Google Map Maker to help users map the places they know best and make their hometowns sparkle on Google Maps.

All of the old features are still intact, but the new Map Maker will start with a quick demo showing you where all of the functions are located. You can check out the new Google Map Maker here.

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

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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 releases new Reader redesign, featuring Google Plus integration

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Google announced on their blog last week that they’d be redesigning Google Reader, and today the redesign has hit the interwebs. The redesign takes shape like almost every other Google product in terms of color, shapes, and speed.

Google Reader now also features Google+  functionality built in, after turning off friending and following in Reader. Users will be able to +1 a post and then from there have the ability to share it with their Google+ friends. Check it out after the break.

The redesign will begin rolling out to users in the coming days, so hold tight if you’re not yet seeing it. For me, the new redesign is welcomed, because I thought the last one was just plain bleh. Having the new look around Google is giving the company a cutting edge feel.


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Google rolls out new Google Docs redesign (again)

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Google has just begun rolling out a new Google Docs redesign, which features new menubars and a bigger focus on the content. Hasn’t it already been redesigned? Well — kinda, but this looks a ton better. Google highlights the changes:

  • We made it clearer that your document is always saved, by showing “Saving…” right after you make a change and then “All changes saved” once it’s fully saved.
  • We added an icon to the Share button so you can tell if your document is shared at a glance.
  • If you’re looking for options that were previously under the Share button (e.g. “Email as attachment…”), you can now find these in the File menu.
  • By default, the documents list automatically fits a comfortable number of documents on your screen (large desktop monitors show more, smaller laptop screens show fewer). We also added density options to give you more control:
Pretty, right?

Blogger’s revamped interface goes live for everyone, more face-lifting underway

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Google embarked on a Blogger redesign back in July, part of a broader push to update the look and feel of their many services that now resemble the clean, elegant appearance of the Google+ service. The revamped UI today went live for everyone, the first in a “series of major updates” due over the course of the coming months, Blogger product manager Chang Kim wrote in a blog post.

Thorough changes are evident in all parts of the Blogger interface, from the post editor to Dashboard. Code has also been optimized and parts of it rewritten from scratch, mainly the editing and management experience.

We here at 9to5Google are all for Google’s new design language stemming from the work of the original Macintosh designer, Andy Hertzfeld. Design-wise, Blogger never felt like a Google service. Updating the Blogger interface to conform to the broader design changes in other Google’ products makes sense from the usability point of view, and especially if you live in a Google world. The new design has to be enabled manually in your dashboard, mind you.


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Google Docs redesigned: here’s how to enable it

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While it hasn’t officially been announced, Google Operating System has discovered how to enable the new design for Google Docs. The new design matches the Google+ design we’ve seen Google enabling across all products over the last month — adding more whitespace and new colors. To enable, all you have to do is select “enable new look” below the settings icon in the Google+ bar (shown after the break).

Along with the new design are five new keyboard shortcuts: up and down arrows will highlight documents to open, shift + T creates a new text document, shift + S creates a new spreadsheet, shift + C creates a new collection, and “?” opens the shortcut guide. If the new design isn’t for you, you can enable the old theme back, but we don’t think you’ll want to change. Check out a few more screenshots after the break.


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Google News redesigned to match Google+

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Google has released a redesign for Google News, an aggregated source of news content around the world. The redesign looks very similar to the Plus-esque design we’ve seen across all of Google’s properties — sporting the black bar at the top, more whitespace, new colors, and redesigned search box at the top. Specifically to News, in the left margin users can sort through top stories and categories, in the middle top stories are displayed, and to the right you’ll find recent stories.

via Google Operating System
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Android phones running 2.2 and up receiving new Market app

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Google has announced that a new Android Market is coming to Android phones. Along with an overall redesign, the new Market will be receiving a Book and Movie tab. The updated Market is available for phones running Android 2.2 and up, and will be rolling out in the coming weeks.

Movies will be available in the U.S. for $1.99, where they can be downloaded right on the Android phone. We assume Books will be priced book-to-book, like almost all e-book stores. Movies and Books will be linked to your Google account, so all of your Android devices will be in sync. Check out screenshots after the break.

The new Android Market will be rolling out in the coming weeks to Android 2.2 and higher phones around the world. You don’t need to do anything – the update is automatic on supported phones. If you’re in the U.S., you’ll also be able to download the Videos app, rent movies, and buy books once you receive the new Android Market.


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Blogger sporting new look, resembles Gmail

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As spotted by Dain Binder on Google+, Blogger is receiving a redesign just like the rest of Google’s products. The new redesign resembles Gmail’s new look, sporting new buttons and an overall touchup. Currently, the new design can only be viewed in the draft section of Blogger, but we’d bet this is coming to the full site soon. More images after the break.

via The Next Web


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YouTube sporting new look dubbed “Cosmic Panda”

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Google is now testing an experimental design on YouTube, called Cosmic Panda. The new design is not enabled by default, but you can use it today by enabling it in YouTube’s TestTube.

The design is totally new and focused on channels, playlists, and videos. Besides the obvious style change, other features include auto-refresh commenting, dark background on video pages, and much more. Give it a try yourself.

via The Next Web
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Along with the rest of Google, Gmail receives redesign

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Matching Google+, redesigned Maps, Search, and Calendar, Google has released a redesign for Gmail. The theme of this redesign is to remove the clutter, something some of you might think Gmail suffered from. F0r now, we notice new colors and an overall buffer of the page. To get your hands on these new designs select the ‘Preview’ or ‘Preview Dense’ theme from the settings.
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