Google has announced updates to summary cards in Gmail, aimed at enhancing how users track purchases, events, bills, and travel. These updates are designed to help users “find exactly” the information they need, according to Google.
Summary Cards in Gmail
The updated summary cards now have a refreshed look and new action buttons. For example, users can add events to their Google Calendar, invite others, or set reminders for bill payments directly from their email.
These cards also consolidate key details from related emails and update in real time, helping users stay informed about deliveries, payments, and other important updates, Google stated.
Key Updates to Summary Cards
The redesigned summary cards improve four main email categories:
- Purchases: Track packages, view order details, and know when gifts will arrive.
- Events: Avoid missing reservations or concerts by adding events to calendars, inviting others, or finding directions.
- Bills: View bills, set reminders for payments, and add due dates to Google Tasks.
- Travel: Manage travel plans, check in for flights, and view essential details like hotel check-out times.
Features of the Updated Summary Cards
The new summary cards in Gmail visually organize key information across related emails, enabling users to:
- Get Details Quickly: Glanceable summaries highlight essential information, reducing the need to search through multiple emails.
- Take Action Easily: Actions such as “Get directions,” “Invite others,” “Track package,” “Check in,” “Remind me,” or “Mark as paid” are more accessible.
- See the Latest Status: The cards dynamically update to keep users informed about upcoming events, deliveries, and deadlines.
New “Happening Soon” Section
Google is introducing a “Happening soon” section at the top of the inbox to display timely updates without the need to open individual emails. Initially, this section will show purchase summary cards when relevant.
For instance, when a purchase’s estimated delivery date is two days away, the card will appear, allowing users to quickly check the delivery status. If multiple deliveries are expected around the same time, the cards will be stacked, and users can expand, dismiss, or click to access the related emails.
Availability
- The updated purchase summary cards are rolling out now for individual emails on Android and iOS.
- Event, bill, and travel summary cards, along with the “Happening soon” section, will be available in the coming months.
In the future, all four card types will appear across individual emails, the “Happening soon” section, and in Gmail search, providing users with multiple ways to access important information, according to Google.