Alexandra Burlacu
Google aims to make Gmail even more useful, providing users with an easier way to RSVP, plan and organize various events directly from their email account.
During its Google I/O 2013 conference, the tech giant announced that it is rolling out quick action buttons for its popular Gmail service. With the new update, users can quickly and easily RSVP to an event without even having to open the e-mail invite, and they can also rate restaurants, shops or other places directly from their inbox.
"Email's an important part of how we get things done - from planning an event with friends to organizing that family vacation to Costa Rica," Google's product manager Shalini Agarwal explains in a blog post on Wednesday, May 15. "And today, getting those things done is getting a little easier with new quick action buttons in Gmail, designed to help you tackle your digital to do's as quickly as possible."
"These buttons appear to certain types of messages in your inbox and let you take action on an email without ever having to open it. For example, you can RSVP to your friend's party invitation or rate that restaurant you went to last night all right from the inbox. You'll be checking things off that to-do list in no time."
Gmail users who travel frequently will also benefit from Gmail updates. Another useful feature these quick action buttons bring is specifically designed for travelers getting flight confirmations via e-mail. Because such information is very important, Google gives special status to flight confirmation e-mails: when the e-mail arrives, users can see all of the travel information displayed at the top of the screen for easier access to necessary information.
"You'll be able to see whether your flight is on time, when your connection is and more - no scrolling required," Agarwal further explains.
All of these quick action buttons aim to make the user experience as smooth and easy as possible, enhancing productivity and minimizing the amount of time required for such tasks. The quick action buttons are set to roll out over the coming weeks to Gmail users, with more buttons possible in the future. Google is encouraging developers to try out various interactive buttons to add actions to their e-mails.
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