Gmail 2.0 or just a UI redesign?
by Dennis KarakulkoNovember 01, 07 in Gmail
In a recent announcement, Google stated that a new version of (programming)” onclick=“javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview (’/outbound/en.wikipedia.org’);”>AJAX. The user interface did not receive major upgrades since it was first introduced in 2004.
Google Blogoscoped has some screenshots available that highlight some user interface (UI) changes. They are also reporting that Gmail interface appears to be faster because of a complete JavaScript back-end rewrite.
I always compared Gmail to Yahoo! Mail same way as a I would compare a Mac to a PC. My expectation of Gmail 2.0 UI is that it has to be superior to Yahoo! Mail without an extensive use of AJAX. Other email providers tend to overkill the web app with AJAX and other flashy popups. With an extensive use it tends to slow down which drives away most users to alternative providers. Microsoft recently released Outlook look-a-like web app for it’s Hotmail users.
Update: On Tuesday, Google confirmed that they are giving Gmail a new look. The “New Version” was rolled out to about 1% of its user base. Look for “New Version” link on top-right hand corner to see if you are one of the chosen ones.
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11-01-2007 at 8:39 pm by Kuch Hino:
I also am not one of the luckyones :( even though i was the first batch of testers for gmail
11-02-2007 at 4:33 pm by Dennis Karakulko:
My gut tells me that they have chosen most active users first.