Google: Goodbye Gmail’s Basic HTML View—Gone by 2024 But Why?

Isaiah Richard, Tech Times 27 September 2023, 10:09 pm

Google is now prioritizing the use of its standard version of Gmail, as users will soon say goodbye to the Basic HTML version that has been a staple for those who have trouble accessing it. Slow and outdated browsers may not be capable of opening the new Gmail experience, and this basic view helps give basic and straightforward access to their inboxes and more.

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(Photo : Rubaitul Azad from Unsplash)

As Google centers on more AI and technology for Gmail, some may prefer the basic HTML version it provides, but that is going away starting next year.

Google is Bidding Goodbye to Gmail's Basic HTML

(Photo : Gmail via Screenshot)

According to a new support document from Google, the Basic HTML view will only be available until January 2024, and this means that starting February next year, it will no longer be accessible. The company said that the experience would automatically change to Standard view, however, this would still depend if their browser could support what Google has to offer.

Standard View is best known as the default version of Gmail, and it features the Material You themes that users may also customize to their needs and preferences. Moreover, this Standard view brings all the features and tech available to their account, including the generative AI that Mountain View offers for the world, as part of its development.

Gmail Standard View vs. Basic HTML View

(Photo : Gmail via Screenshot)

Users may have trouble in accessing the Basic HTML view as Gmail is already in Standard view by default, but no worries, clicking this link will bring you to the basic and light experience.

Basic HTML view has always been a staple for those who are having a hard time accessing Gmail because of their slow connections, outdated browsers, and operating systems that could not handle the Standard version.

Gmail and its Latest Developments

As Google ventured with AI, various apps and experiences in its Workspace suite have also joined it, with Gmail being one of its top priorities to get generative AI and other security features that it worked on. One of the most renowned AI features here is searching the app, as the AI would help in locating files and offering message replies to users to lighten the load.

Google also brought massive security upgrades to Gmail, with its proprietary Enhanced Safe Browsing helping against the many threats and issues available on the web or app. Gmail is best known to be a target for threat actors or groups to enact their hacks or breaches, with some centering on the likes of phishing scams or infecting their inboxes with malware.

Now that Google is centering on a more advanced experience with what it offers, Gmail is also part of these upgrades that would now be featuring these by default. Basic HTML view will soon bid its farewell to the world, directing users to the Standard view that brings all the perks and features Google has to offer in the Gmail experience.