Skip to main content

Check out this colorful mockup for a possible future version of Gmail on Android

paulburke-gmail-5-1-intro
Image used with permission by copyright holder

paulburke-gmail-5-framed-inboxGmail got a makeover a few weeks ago on the iOS edition of the software, but Android’s version has been using a pretty standard UI for some time now. Looking to give it a little more flair, a designer from Brooklyn has given his take on what a new Gmail UI should look like.

Gmail is an essential app for anyone running Android, especially since you need a Google account to use the majority of features offered by the device. As a result, it’s a very essential part of the whole Android experience, and while there aren’t any gaping flaws in the current Gmail design, it is certainly feeling a little dated with you compare it to some other, more recently updated aspects of the Google experience, such as Google Now and its new card system. Plus, Google just gave iOS owners a fresh new flavor of Gmail, which is a little surprising given Google has yet to offer anything to current users of Google’s own Operating System, Android. Nonetheless, Paul Burke, a designer from Brooklyn, has taken it upon himself to show what he feels Gmail could perhaps look like, with respect to the “Post Google Now world” that Google has created. 

The new design merges both the sleek look of Google Now and the iOS version of Gmail, while also adding some interesting new options and interface design decisions. The experience offers less pieces of mail on the screen, but uses the space much more intuitively to let you easily open attachments, view calendar invites and more. The experience also suggests much easier swiping and moving of mail to easily delete or archive mail, and focuses on a cleaner, crisper experience from start to finish. It certainly isn’t coded and mostly just for aesthetics, but the designer is making some good points about what we really want when experiencing our mail. These days, as Google integrates mail more and more with things like Calendar, social media, and content, we want our mail experience to be accessible for this rich content, too.

If you’re looking to give the new design a look and see what it’s worth, feel free to download it here. Who knows, maybe Google will take a hint or two from this design.

Editors' Recommendations

Joshua Sherman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Joshua Sherman is a contributor for Digital Trends who writes about all things mobile from Apple to Zynga. Josh pulls his…
A big iPhone update is right around the corner
An iPhone 15 Pro Max sitting upright, showing one of its home screens.

With announcements for 2024 models of the iPad Air and iPad Pro, today's been a busy day of Apple news. But the iPad isn't the only Apple product in the news today. Following the big announcements from its event earlier this morning, Apple also shared some important news regarding the next iPhone update.

As of Tuesday, May 7, Apple has begun rolling out RC builds for iOS 17.5. RC stands for "Release Candidate," and it's the last beta version of a software update that Apple releases before its final public rollout. In other news, the official iOS 17.5 update should be right around the corner.

Read more
Google Pixel 8a vs. Pixel 7a: Do you really need to upgrade?
Google Pixel 8a vs Pixel 7a.

The Google Pixel 8a (left) and Google Pixel 7a Bryan M. Wolfe / Digital Trends

The new Google Pixel 8a has entered the market to compete in the budget smartphone category. It has officially replaced the Google Pixel 7a, which was launched in 2023. Although the two phones' appearances are quite similar, the newer model boasts several improvements under the hood, making it considerably superior.

Read more
Match with Mom: Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 has a BOGO deal for Mother’s Day
Someone wearing the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6.

If you're still thinking what to gift your mom for Mother's Day, why not get matching smartwatches? Samsung is currently offering a buy one, get one deal for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. If you purchase the 40mm, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi model for $300 or the 44mm, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi model for $330, you'll get another one for free. However, if you want to have the wearable devices delivered in time for the holiday -- and to make sure that you're still able to take advantage of the BOGO offer -- you're going to have to complete the transaction right now.

Why you should buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6
Even if your mom isn't tech savvy, she'll be able to make the most out of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6, which we've identified as the best smartwatch for Android in our roundup of the best smartwatches. The wearable device features a Super AMOLED screen with sapphire crystal glass coating for durability, an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, and a 5ATM underwater resistance. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is equipped with Samsung’s 3-in–1 BioActive Sensor that houses the the optical heart rate, electrical heart signal, and bioelectrical impedance analysis sensors. These sensors enable health monitoring capabilities for steps taken, sleep, heart rate, ECG, and skin temperature, among many other important statistics.

Read more