Google’s email service, Gmail, is the most popular email provider with plenty of functions for its users, including the Basic HTML view, which allows you to read emails much faster. Unfortunately, that function will disappear in January 2024 as Google quietly plans to remove it. What will this mean for users who rely on it?
Why Google Is Ending the Basic HTML View of Gmail
Users of Gmail’s classic version can access their inbox through a faster, lighter interface that only uses HTML and CSS to read emails easily. While Google sets all email accounts to use the modern inbox by default, this option will no longer be available next year.
Google wants Gmail users to adapt to its Standard View, which they will be required to access. Gmail designed the Basic HTML view for slower connections and outdated browsers, as it loads much quicker.
The company also announced that all Basic view URLs will redirect users to the Standard view inbox.Gmail’s Help pagestates that you can display the Basic HTML view until January 2024. After that date, Gmail will automatically change to the Standard View.
According to Google, this move is due to features such as chat, spell checker,keyboard shortcuts, andadd or import contactsdon’t work. The only way to access it is by using an outdated browser that cannot run the new Gmail.
Currently, Google confirms that the classic view will continue to work to maintain compatibility with browsers that don’t support the new Gmail. What you won’t be able to do is set this as the default view come January 2024.
You can copy and paste the link “https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/h/fasj39kqli8a/?v=lui" into the address bar and click theI’d like to use HTML Gmailbutton. You can do this whenever you want to switch between views.
What’s Next for Gmail Users?
While Google hasn’t released much information on why they’re ending the Basic view, it may be due to the function being outdated. Gmail users who rely on the Basic view will have to adapt to the Standard view or consider switching email providers.
For instance, visually impaired users use the Basic view since it is compatible with screen readers and offers easy navigation, which enables them to hear emails chronologically and perform simple functions such as reply and forward.
While a downside, the Standard view offers the latest features, including the ones that don’t work in the Basic view, such as chat and keyboard shortcuts, and better security and accessibility options.
Google discontinuing the Basic view is the latest of products to end. In 2022,Google shut down Currentsafter three years in favor of Google Spaces. Google is shifting its focus to AI services, including Duet AI in Gmail, which helps users write emails.
It’s Goodbye to Gmail’s Basic HTML View
Google plans to remove its Basic HTML View for all Gmail users in January 2024, forcing them to use the Standard View, the only option. While this will impact some users, many may have already switched.
If you want to use the new Gmail, upgrade your device or update your browser. If not, it may be time to switch email providers. But will Google follow through with this decision? Or is this the end of the Basic View?
