Another Google product has gone to the "grave". Starting in January 2024, Google will discontinue Gmail's basic HTML view, which allows users to view emails in a crude way but provides maximum compatibility with all browsers.
The company updated its support page to reflect that Gmail will automatically switch to standard view after the deadline. Not only that, some users posted on HackerNews that they received an email from Google indicating that the feature had ended.
"We are writing to inform you that starting in early January 2024, the GmailBasicHTML view for desktop and mobile web pages will be disabled. The GmailBasicHTML view is an older version of Gmail that was replaced by a modern version more than 10 years ago and does not include full Gmail functionality."
Even today, when you try to access the HTML version, Google displays a message saying that version is designed for "slower connection speeds and legacy browsers" and asking you to confirm if you don't want to use the standard version.
The HTML version lacks many features, such as chat, spell check, search filters, keyboard shortcuts, and rich formatting. But the HTML version is still useful in areas with poor connectivity or when you just want to browse emails without using any extra features. It's unclear whether Google plans to add a low-connection mode.
Google is currently focusing on infusing artificial intelligence capabilities into its products, including Gmail. Last month, the company launched a DuetAI feature to help users compose emails. Last week, Google allowed the Bardchatbot to integrate with your Google account so you can ask questions about your email history.