It has been revealed this week that Google is planning to remove a feature from its Gmail Calendar service during July 2014 in the form of the calendar invitation feature.
The Google Gmail calendar invitation feature was first added to the email service to enable users to insert calendar invitations directly within emails. This feature has been particularly useful for users who frequently schedule meetings and events, allowing them to seamlessly integrate their calendar activities with their email communications.
Impact on Users
The news of the retirement of the calendar invitation feature was first spotted by the Google Operating System website and has now been officially confirmed by the Gmail community managers. Google’s community managers explained:
“It (truly!) is always tough choosing which features to continue to support. We make these decisions carefully, so please know that.
We’ll still be supporting creating invitations, just through different steps. The workaround now is to click into calendar and to create an invitation from there,”
This change means that users will no longer be able to create calendar invitations directly from their Gmail interface. Instead, they will need to navigate to the Google Calendar application to set up their events and send invitations. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, it could affect the workflow of users who have become accustomed to the integrated feature.
Alternative Solutions and Future Outlook
For more information on the removal of the feature jump over to the Google product forums website for more details.
Despite the removal of this feature, Google continues to enhance its suite of productivity tools. Users can still benefit from the robust functionalities of Google Calendar, which offers features such as event reminders, shared calendars, and integration with other Google services. Additionally, third-party applications and browser extensions may provide alternative solutions for users seeking similar functionalities.
For example, tools like Boomerang for Gmail offer scheduling features that can help bridge the gap left by the removal of the calendar invitation feature. Users can also explore other email clients that offer integrated calendar functionalities, such as Microsoft Outlook or Apple Mail, depending on their specific needs and preferences.
Source: Google Operating System
In conclusion, while the removal of the Gmail calendar invitation feature may be disappointing for some users, it is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to streamline and improve its services. By focusing on core functionalities and encouraging users to utilize dedicated applications like Google Calendar, Google aims to provide a more cohesive and efficient user experience. As always, staying informed about these changes and exploring alternative solutions can help users adapt and continue to manage their schedules effectively.
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
