27 September 2023 , 07:35
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Google has issued an important Gmail update that will affect anyone who still uses an older version of this popular email-browsing software. The US technology giant says it is shutting down its ageing "Basic HTML" view service in favour of its more feature-packed “Standard” viewing mode.
"Important: You can display Gmail on your browser in Basic HTML view until January 2024. After this date, Gmail automatically changes to Standard view," Google confirmed in a post on its website.
For those unaware, the "Basic HTML" version of Gmail offers a much more basic user interface with simplified graphics and much less functionality. That might not sound like something many wouldn't want to use but it does have its advantages including loading faster, being less data intensive and better if you don't have a modern PC, laptop or smartphone.
Of course, this HTML version has no access to features such as Chat, spell checker, keyboard shortcuts, adding or importing contacts or rich formatting and there's no question that Google's Standard view is far better for those wanting the very best experience.
If you are still using the Basic HTML view then you only have a few months to make the switch before Google will force it upon you.
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There's no word on an exact day that things will be switched off but it definitely won't be available after January 31.
This change comes as some Google users face having their accounts deleted before the end of the year. Google has been warning users that their Gmail and Photos could be sent to the online bin if they haven't used these service over the past two years.
"We are updating the inactivity period for a Google Account to two years across all of our products and services," Google explained.
"This change starts rolling today and will apply to any Google Account that's been inactive, meaning it has not been signed into or used within a two-year period. An inactive account and any content in it will be eligible for deletion from December 1, 2023."
It's pretty easy to stop accounts being deleted with Google saying users simply need to read or send an email, use Google Drive, watch a YouTube clip, share a photo or sign into the account and perform some web searches.
This should be enough to keep things active.