Gmail headed for revamped interface: report

According to Geek.com, Google is planning an overhaul of its web-based email platform, which will soon have a more streamlined and user-friendly interface that is more in line with the current mobile version.

According to Geek.com, Google is planning an overhaul of its web-based email platform, which will soon have a more streamlined and user-friendly interface that is more in line with the current mobile version. A series of leaked screenshots show what could possibly be the future look of Gmail.

In the images presented by Geek.com, the tab system implemented by Gmail last year has disappeared and given way to a left-hand menu. There is also a large search bar across the top of the page, a button for launching a 'hangout' (chat and video calling) and a new pin system that allows users to designate important conversations and keep them at the top of the inbox. Each conversation is seen next to a corresponding miniature photo or an icon indicating its category.

Geek.com points out that Google may not actually intend to roll out the interface seen in the leaked images. Nonetheless, the experiment shows the company's interest in taking a new direction with the Gmail interface.

Since spring 2013, Gmail has offered an optional tab system, which enables users to sort conversations automatically according to several classification levels, including whether a message is personal or from a social network, business or forum.