Why it matters: Google is constantly tinkering with Gmail to make it more productive and useful. Its most recent effort is an update to the summary cards feature, which will now offer real-time information about events, bills, and other important matters. It's a handy addition to email boxes that are increasingly overflowing with junk and marketing messages – an environment, in other words, where important information can easily get lost.
Google has unveiled a significant update to Gmail's summary cards feature, aimed at helping users more easily track important information within their inboxes. The redesigned summary cards will now appear for four key categories: purchases, events, bills, and travel. Each category allows users to take relevant actions, such as getting directions to an event or tracking a package.
For purchases, the new cards will display order details, tracking information, and package delivery status. Users can view what they bought and when to expect its arrival. The cards will dynamically update as the delivery progresses, even showing return policy information once the package has been delivered.
Event summary cards will highlight details for dinner reservations, concert tickets, and other upcoming activities. Users can add events to their calendar, invite others, or get directions.
Bill summary cards will show payment due dates and amounts owed. Users can set reminders to pay or add due dates to Google Tasks directly from the card.
Travel summary cards will display flight information, hotel reservations, and other key trip details. Users can manage bookings, check in for flights, and view information like hotel check-out times, all in the same place.
The redesigned cards feature a more intuitive layout with larger fonts and graphics to highlight essential information. The new action buttons are also part of the layout, allowing users to click directly on what they want to do, instead of having to dig through their inbox.
In addition to appearing at the top of individual emails, Google is introducing a new "Happening soon" section at the top of the Gmail inbox. This section will display timely summary cards, such as upcoming package deliveries or imminent travel plans. For example, when a purchase is scheduled to arrive within two days, its summary card will appear in this section. Multiple cards can be stacked and expanded if needed.
These features are rolling out now, with purchase summary cards appearing in individual emails on the Gmail iOS and Android apps. The event, bill, and travel summary cards, along with the "Happening soon" section, will be released in the coming months. Eventually, all four card categories will be available across individual emails, the "Happening soon" section, and Gmail search results.