Google’s latest enhancements to Gmail aim to simplify the process of scheduling meetings, whether they are face-to-face or virtual. Traditionally, arranging a meeting via email involved the use of third-party tools like Calendly or a tedious exchange of available time slots. However, Google seeks to alleviate this frustration by introducing a more streamlined system directly within Gmail. This new feature adds a calendar icon to the outgoing message toolbar at the bottom of your draft, presenting two convenient options: “Offer times you’re free” and “Create an event.”
The first option, “Offer times you’re free,” is an entirely novel addition that enables users to select and share specific available meeting times. By clicking on the calendar icon, Google opens the calendar on the right-hand side without closing the email draft. Users can then effortlessly highlight preferred dates and times, which are instantly sent within the message. Recipients can conveniently choose a suitable time from the email and both parties will receive a calendar invite, simplifying the scheduling process.
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The second option, “Create an event,” represents a subtle yet impactful organizational change. Google has relocated the event creation prompt from the three-dot menu at the top right to the primary toolbar. This change allows users to seamlessly generate an event while composing an email. The recipient’s information is automatically populated, and a concise summary of the event is included in the body of the email.
These calendar updates will be rolled out gradually, with Rapid Release domains receiving them within the next two weeks and Scheduled Release domains by the first half of August. Initially, the “Offer times you’re free” feature will be available for users’ primary calendars. It is important to note that if blocks of time are sent to multiple individuals, Google will only add the event to the calendar of the first respondent.
In summary, Google’s recent enhancements to Gmail’s calendar functionality seek to streamline the process of scheduling meetings via email. By integrating these new features, Google aims to alleviate the complexities and challenges associated with coordinating meeting times, ultimately providing users with a more efficient and seamless experience.