Gmail - Configure Inbox - New Feature

I read a couple of weeks ago about a new feature that gmail is releasing - the ability to filter email more efficiently.  I checked today (opened the gear) and the feature appeared (it was not there when I first read about it).  The menu now shows "configure inbox." You have the options of adding tabs for:

• Primary
• Social
• Promotions
• Updates
• Forums

Gmail gave me some examples of what might be included (see screen shot below).

Gmail did a very nice job of filtering the email.  If you use gmail - try it!

Google Gmail Settings

Linda asked a question about gmail, which prompted me to explore the settings.  I was pleasantly surprised to see options available that I have not noticed before.

One is the ability to include a picture with your emails.  Another is the ability to use lots of stars colors. Some of the other changes in the new gmail look are outlined in the video  below.

Gmail and Google Drive

I was reading an article about Gmail and Google Drive that shared interesting information about how users can now share LARGE files using Google Drive.  If you use the combination, the attached file size limit is 10 GB!  The standard file limit for attachments with gmail is 25 MB.  Of course, to use the feature, you have to have a Google Drive account.

There was just one thing that confused me and that was the graphic showing Google Drive as a choice in gmail (see below) because it was not a visible choice with my gmail compose window.

With a little detective work, I realized that the Google Drive icon does not appear until you mouse over the plus sign (+) to the right of the paperclip icon (see below).

I am using the new gmail "look" that allows you to have many small compose menus open simultaneously.  Take a few moments to explore some of the new gmail options, if you have not already done so.

New Gmail App for iPhone and iPad

A Google blog posted yesterday discussed a new Gmail app for the iPhone and iPad. Yes, an app! I had not even considered using an app for mail as gmail is one of my email accounts set up using Settings > Mail, Contacts, Calendars.  The screen shots of the Gmail app looked very nice, so I downloaded the app to the iPad.  The Gmail app provides a very nice simple and colorful view of email, which is very different from the regular email app.  You may find it worth exploring, too.To read more and see some of the screenshots, go to
http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-gmail-app-for-iphone-and-ipad.html

Google Hangouts for Video Chat

While at the Sloan C/MERLOT conference last week, one of the sessions was on Google Hangouts.  Google Hangouts allows up to 9 people to participate in video chat.  I have used Skype for video chat for many years but I have not tried Google Hangouts.  You have to have a Google Plus account (which I have) to participate.  Jane Moore, the Teacher's Ed editor for MERLOT said that their editorial board is now meeting using Hangouts.

Read more in the article, Google Upgrades Gmail Video Chat with Hangouts, at http://www.macworld.com/article/1167948/google_upgrades_gmail_video_chat_with_hangouts.html

To learn how, read Make Google Handouts Your New Meeting Room at http://www.macworld.com/article/1166883/make_google_hangouts_your_new_meeting_room.html#lsrc.mod_rel or view the video below from MacWorld.

Gmail Phone Service

I read yesterday where gmail was offering phone service (VoIP - voice over the Internet protocol), but I could not locate the phone in my gmail account.  Just over night, all of that changed!  When I opened my gmail account this morning, a flash page popped up http://www.google.com/chat/voice/

It should be like having Skype services integrated with gmail.  Enjoy!