Google has now started to roll out their new-look Gmail to all users. You can choose to use the new look now, or wait until the official change over which is imminent. Either way, the new Gmail is something you will experience sooner or later.

Throughout your Gmail experience, there are various things that have been implemented, changed, or removed, big and small, and the reason for these changes is an attempt “to give you a more seamless and consistent online experience” that works no matter which Google product you are using, or what device you are using it on.

Density settings

By choosing your density (from options of Comfortable, Cozy, or Compact), you can determine how much space there is on your screen, as well as how many mails you can see before you need to scroll.

Automatic Window Size Adaptation

Your Gmail now automatically resizes and adapts to fit into whatever screen or window size you are viewing it in, reducing the need to scroll across.

Conversation

Any conversations that you are having will now show up with an avatar of the person next to their e-mail, making it easier to see who said what. If that person has chosen their avatar for Google, this is what you will see.

If they do not have a set avatar, you will be able to set one of your own images to represent them. If neither of you have selected a picture to represent them, a standard blank avatar will be shown.

New themes

Themes have been updated to include HD images for your backgrounds. Some of these themes have been designed by external artists, and some of the themes use imagery that has been provided by iStockPhoto.

Smart navigation

This enables you to choose the sizing of the chat and label windows on the left, in order to better suit your needs - make the one you use most the most prominent. The top bar has also changed with the words being replaced by icons. This bar remains with you as you scroll, further increasing ease of use.

Search

The new Gmail brings you an advanced search option which is especially advantageous to those who use Gmail a lot.

It allows you to search specific folders, From, To, Subject, for specific words in an e-mail, as well as within a specific date period if you can remember when it came in.

Video from Gmail

I personally quite like the new look of Gmail and I think the search functionality is pretty great, although to be honest it doesn’t phase me either way. What do you think - are these changes going to be beneficial or are they just frustrating?