If you use Gmail as your main email account, you are sure to have come across the problem that existed whenever you clicked on any email links in Google’s Chrome browser. Once clicked, the link would then fire up your local machine’s default email application even if you didn’t use it.
Google’s Solution to the Problem
Now, Google has made an update to their Chrome browser to help Gmail account holders change the way the browser uses email links. So rather than cutting & pasting the email address back into Gmail, you will now be able to click a link and have Gmail automatically open it, ready to write your email.
The new update has been rolled out today by Google and uses the magic of HTML 5 to make the links magically open Gmail when in Google’s Chrome browser. This update is particularly beneficial for users who rely heavily on Gmail for their email communications, as it streamlines the process and saves valuable time.
How to Enable the Feature
The first time you click on an email link after the update has been received, a popup message will appear asking you to “Allow Gmail (mail.google.com) to open all email links?” (shown in the image above). Simply click “Use Gmail” and you are ready to start using it. This prompt ensures that users have control over their email link handling preferences and can easily switch to using Gmail for email links.
In addition to this, if you ever need to change your email link handling preferences, you can do so by navigating to Chrome’s settings. Go to “Privacy and security,” then “Site settings,” and finally “Handlers.” Here, you can manage which applications handle specific types of links, giving you the flexibility to switch back to your local email client if needed.
Benefits of Using Gmail for Email Links
Using Gmail to handle email links offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides a seamless experience for users who are already logged into their Gmail accounts. There’s no need to switch applications or copy and paste email addresses, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming. Secondly, Gmail’s robust spam filtering and organizational tools ensure that your emails are managed efficiently.
Moreover, Gmail’s integration with other Google services, such as Google Drive and Google Calendar, enhances productivity. For instance, you can easily attach files from your Google Drive or schedule events directly from your email. This level of integration is something that local email clients may not offer, making Gmail a more powerful tool for managing your communications.
Additional Features and Future Updates
Google is continually working on improving the user experience for Gmail and Chrome users. Future updates may include even more seamless integrations and additional features to enhance productivity. For example, Google could introduce smart compose and reply features directly within the email link handling process, making it even quicker to draft and send emails.
Furthermore, as HTML 5 continues to evolve, we can expect more innovative uses of this technology to improve web applications. Google’s commitment to leveraging HTML 5 for better user experiences is evident in this update, and it sets the stage for more advancements in the future.
In conclusion, Google’s update to Chrome for handling email links with Gmail is a significant improvement for users who rely on Gmail for their email communications. It simplifies the process, saves time, and offers a more integrated experience with other Google services. If you haven’t already enabled this feature, give it a try and enjoy a more streamlined email experience.
Source: Google
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