Gmail’s announcement
In a blog post, Google said, “With the holiday season coming up fast, it won’t be long before your inbox is filled with more order and shipping confirmations, tracking numbers and even the occasional delay notification. So this year, Gmail is introducing new features to help you save time and stay on top of all your shipments.” Suggested read: 5 Lesser Known Gmail Features to Try Now
What to expect?
Gmail would display the current delivery status in the inbox list view. There would be a summary card as well at the top of specific emails. The tracking would be available for major shipping carriers in the USA and would provide information such as estimated date of arrival and status such as ‘Arriving today’.
How does the feature work?
To activate the feature, you can opt to get package tracking updated from the inbox directly or in Gmail settings. Gmail will look up the statuses automatically using the tracking number and display them in the inbox. You may opt out as well through the settings if you do not want Gmail to track and inform you of the package status. Suggested read: How to Stop Email Tracking in Gmail on Different Platforms?
How is the feature helpful?
Gmail will create a delay label as well to bring emails to the top when any package is delayed. Google further added, “There’s a lot to keep track of during the holidays. But with these new features, and even more to come in Gmail, we hope to cross at least one of those to-do’s off your list — so you can spend less time waiting by the door and more time celebrating with your loved ones.” Watch this YouTube video: Gmail already has other similar features like tracking train or flight status. Let us know in the comments section below if you find these features useful or find it a breach of privacy.
