GMail vs Outlook

2023. Gmail app gets highly requested native translation feature



Gmail for Android and iOS are getting an inherent translation function, which can automatically identify the language of an email and provide a translation. This function, which has been a consistent feature on the desktop variant, currently supports 100 different languages. Previously, if users wished to translate an email, they needed to either manually copy and paste the text into Google Translate or capture a screenshot and upload it to Google Lens. To translate a message on mobile devices, users can simply select the "Translate" choice found in the three-dot menu at the upper-right corner of the email interface. Users are able to set their preferred output language in the settings, enabling a prompt to appear whenever an email's content doesn't align with the "Gmail display language."


2022. The new Outlook client is a collaboration hub



Microsoft has commenced the rollout of the revamped Outlook for Windows, a project that has been in development for over two years. The primary objective of this update was to achieve a unified interface between the Windows program and the web version, Outlook.com, which has been successfully accomplished. The forthcoming Mac version will also adopt the same interface. The new Outlook enables users to view their emails, tasks, and calendar on a single screen, enhancing productivity. It integrates with the new service called Loop, allowing users to send messages to Teams, access files from SharePoint, and collaborate on projects directly within the email body. Furthermore, the updated version offers the ability to quickly convert emails into tasks or events, attach files using @mentions, pin important emails to the top of the list, and seamlessly manage Gmail accounts alongside other email accounts.


2022. Microsoft launches Outlook Lite for low-powered Android phones



Microsoft has unveiled the lightweight Outlook Lite Android app, designed specifically for low-end Android devices and areas with limited data connectivity. This app has a compact download size of less than 5MB, in contrast to the regular version that can exceed 80MB depending on the device. Currently, the app is only accessible in certain countries, although Microsoft has expressed intentions to expand its availability to additional regions in the future. In June, the company included this app in its Office 365 roadmap, indicating a potential wider release. With Outlook Lite, users can conveniently access their emails, calendars, and contacts for various account types such as Outlook.com, Hotmail, Live, MSN, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Exchange Online.


2022. New Gmail redesign focuces on promoting Meet videoconferencing



The Gmail update is being rolled out to all users. Google has kept the interface changes minimal, and you can customize the new design using the Quick Settings button located on the top right. The major enhancements include improved integration of Chat, Spaces, and Meet within Gmail, along with more visually appealing and colorful buttons. Beneath the surface, there are also modifications such as the introduction of "search chips" which refer to enhanced and precise search filters, as well as AI-powered search suggestions from Google. The company plans to introduce an enhanced experience for tablet users, improved emojis, and new accessibility features later this year.


2020. Gmail for G Suite gets deep integrations with Chat, Meet, Rooms and Docs


Google is rolling out a significant update to its G Suite productivity tools today, introducing a seamless integration of Gmail, Chat, Meet, and Rooms across web and mobile platforms. Additionally, popular tools like Calendar, Docs, Sheets, and Slides will also be deeply integrated. Google refers to this initiative as a "better home for work," offering enhanced product integration. Users can expect features like integrated calendaring and file management within Gmail, as well as the ability to simultaneously engage in real-time document collaboration while conducting a video chat in a split-screen view. Currently, these updates are specific to G Suite, but Google has plans to extend this integrated workspace experience to consumers, similar to its efforts with bringing Meet to a broader audience. The exact details of this consumer offering, however, are yet to be revealed.


2020. Google brings Meet to Gmail on mobile



Google has recently integrated its Meet video conferencing service directly into the mobile version of Gmail. Users of Gmail on Android or iOS now have the convenience of joining Meet meetings directly from their inbox when someone sends them a Meet event link. This eliminates the need to install the dedicated Meet app solely for joining calls via Gmail. Within the Gmail app, a new Meet tab will appear at the bottom of the screen. This tab will display all upcoming Meet meetings from Google Calendar, allowing users to initiate a meeting, obtain a shareable link, or schedule a meeting within the Calendar. If you prefer not to have the Meet tab visible, you also have the option to disable it.


2020. Microsoft Outlook is getting text predictions, 2 years after Gmail



Microsoft's Outlook is introducing a new functionality that offers word and phrase suggestions while composing messages, making email autocompletion effortless for users. This feature will be available on both Outlook.com and Outlook on the web. As you compose an email, Outlook may present text suggestions, which can be accepted by pressing the Tab key or the right arrow key. If you prefer to disregard the suggestion, simply continue typing. Users will also have the option to disable text predictions by navigating to Settings – View all Outlook settings – Mail – Compose and reply. Under Text predictions, you can uncheck the "Suggest words or phrases as I type" box.


2019. You can now attach emails to other emails in Gmail



The latest feature in Gmail allows users to attach an email or an entire email thread to another email. This functionality proves to be more convenient in certain scenarios compared to forwarding multiple individual emails. To utilize this feature, users can initiate a new email and simply drag the subject line from the list of emails. The software will automatically recognize it as a potential attachment. The attached emails will be converted into ".eml" files, and there is no restriction on the number of emails that can be attached.


2019. Microsoft integrated its personal organizer app To-Do with Outlook


Microsoft has recently unveiled an updated version of its Microsoft To-Do personal organizer. This new release introduces a range of exciting features, including the ability to fully customize the color scheme and background. Additionally, users now have the option to enable 2-factor authorization for enhanced security. The updated Microsoft To-Do also offers smart recommendations to help users create their task lists for the day efficiently. Furthermore, the integration with Outlook has been seamlessly implemented, allowing the Flagged Email list in the app to display flagged messages from Outlook.com. The integration extends further to include Microsoft Planner, a project management service, as well as voice assistants Alexa and Cortana. Notably, Microsoft hinted at the potential closure of Wunderlist, a service acquired by Microsoft four years ago, which served as the foundation for the development of Microsoft To-Do. Following this, the founder of Wunderlist, Christian Reber, publicly expressed his desire for Microsoft to repurchase the service and transform it into an open-source product via a tweet.


2019. Gmail now allows to schedule emails



Google has introduced a new feature in Gmail that allows users to schedule their drafted emails to be sent at specific times in the future. While one might assume that Gmail already had this functionality, its addition is still likely to be well-received. Furthermore, Google has announced expansions to the popular Smart Compose feature in the email client. Smart Compose now has the capability to better emulate the user's writing style, particularly when it comes to informal greetings in emails. Additionally, Google states that Smart Compose can now suggest subject lines. Moreover, Smart Compose has been extended to support Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese, in addition to English, and is compatible with Gmail for Android.