Gmail sets up multiple inboxes
Summary
Google has unveiled a new Gmail Labs feature that allows users to have more than one inbox in their default Gmail view.
Topics
Google has unveiled a new Gmail Labs feature that allows users to have more than one inbox in their default Gmail view.
The new feature — called Multiple Inboxes — allows users to have multiple viewing panes open simultaneously without having to open another browser window. The upgrade to the web email software gives users a quick view of important labels as well as of saved searches.
Google software engineer Octavian 'Vivi' Costache explained in a company blog post why he used his '20 percent time' to develop the Gmail feature:
"I'm seriously into filters and labels. All the email I get related to Flash goes under my 'flash' label, everything about paragliding goes under 'flying', and they all skip my inbox because that's how I like to stay organized. But when new email arrives I have to switch to the 'flash' label first, then click on 'paragliding', etc. I wanted a way to see it all at once."
The move could help those who use their Gmail accounts for multiple personal email lists, as well as for work.
This article was originally published on CNET News.com.
Just In
I heard about this last night and set it up right away. I have 2 personal email accounts: a GMail account and an ISP account that I rarely use but is still linked to a couple things and is still used by friends who are totally incapable of updating their contact info. GMail uses POP to pull all my ISP mail into GMail and label it and archive it (I don't want that stuff in my Inbox since I want to know if it came through the ISP account). With this multiple inbox feature, I can keep all my mail separate but still see it at a glance. It works REALLY well.
I have a business account and work account being pulled into Google plus various labels with auto routing. This really came in handy and helps me feel more comfortable about making sure I don't miss certain emails.
The UI may need a touchup though. Or it could just be the theme I'm using.
The UI may need a touchup though. Or it could just be the theme I'm using.
Using it now, I really like it!
I found that if the new inbox's are set to the right they look wierd, but if they are below they are fine.
I'm using FF3 tho, anyone noticing these issues in other browsers?
I found that if the new inbox's are set to the right they look wierd, but if they are below they are fine.
I'm using FF3 tho, anyone noticing these issues in other browsers?
I love it! I always cursed (mildly!) at Google because I couldn't have multiple instances open to see different
labels, accounts, etc, and this makes it much easier.
Lee
labels, accounts, etc, and this makes it much easier.
Lee
how do I set the multiple inbox option. How do I turn it on.
Logon to gmail -> Settings -> labs -> search
for
'Multiple Inboxes' feature and then enable it.
After
that, there will be a multiple inboxes tab
(alongside
labs) and you can configure it accordingly.
for
'Multiple Inboxes' feature and then enable it.
After
that, there will be a multiple inboxes tab
(alongside
labs) and you can configure it accordingly.
Okay, I've enabled the Multiple Inboxes feature, and I've added two additional email addresses, but when I am in the primary view there are two boxes on the right. One says "Search results for: is:starred" and it's all my starred items, and the box below it says "Search results for: is:drafts."
How do I get those boxes to change to my 2 additional email accounts I added?
How do I get those boxes to change to my 2 additional email accounts I added?
I don't think it means multiple inboxes in the sense of supporting email addresses. As far as I can tell, it merely means multiple folders, so that if you filter/sort your mails in an account, you can view more than one of those folders at a time.
Am I right?
Having said that, and now had a look at the options, you can also set Google Mail up to send mail from your other email addresses or to get mail from other accounts by downloading mail using POP3, so that should make it possible to use this feature to virtually read multiple mailboyes, even if they are actually all in one Google Mail account.
Am I right?
Having said that, and now had a look at the options, you can also set Google Mail up to send mail from your other email addresses or to get mail from other accounts by downloading mail using POP3, so that should make it possible to use this feature to virtually read multiple mailboyes, even if they are actually all in one Google Mail account.
First of all, Thank You! I'm always pleased when a new lab feature is rolled out, even if I don't end up using it.
I would love this in right side display mode if only I could resize the new inbox (smaller) and somehow change the display settings so it doesn't attempt to show as much info. Then this would be optimized for widescreen displays.
I might be dreaming of a widget with a different purpose. I want a secondary inbox to see the subject of important items that I have labeled for follow up, rather than try to view two complete inboxes. I use stars and a couple of labels to flag items for follow up, so it would be nice to have them sitting off to the side of my inbox to quickly access and re-label as I finish tasks.
I haven't tried placing the new inbox at the bottom of my screen because my widescreen's vertical display is already too small, but this might be a suitable option for folks with standard displays.
I would love this in right side display mode if only I could resize the new inbox (smaller) and somehow change the display settings so it doesn't attempt to show as much info. Then this would be optimized for widescreen displays.
I might be dreaming of a widget with a different purpose. I want a secondary inbox to see the subject of important items that I have labeled for follow up, rather than try to view two complete inboxes. I use stars and a couple of labels to flag items for follow up, so it would be nice to have them sitting off to the side of my inbox to quickly access and re-label as I finish tasks.
I haven't tried placing the new inbox at the bottom of my screen because my widescreen's vertical display is already too small, but this might be a suitable option for folks with standard displays.
Logon to gmail -> Settings -> labs -> search for
'Multiple Inboxes' feature and then enable it. After
that, there will be a multiple inboxes tab (alongside
labs) and you can configure it accordingly.
'Multiple Inboxes' feature and then enable it. After
that, there will be a multiple inboxes tab (alongside
labs) and you can configure it accordingly.
I read this as multiple mail boxes.
Sadly it wasn't - so it's of little use.
I expect it will appeal to the "I want to see things in a tiny little window" generation.
Sadly it wasn't - so it's of little use.
I expect it will appeal to the "I want to see things in a tiny little window" generation.
In fact, it really can read or send from multiple mail boxes, or at least appear to.
See my post above!
See my post above!
Join the conversation!
The best of ZDNet, delivered
ZDNet Newsletters
Get the best of ZDNet delivered straight to your inbox
Vendor Showcase
Facebook Activity
