The Gmail app has seen a few updates in the recent past, including visual tweaks and new functionality. Among the recent additions that I’ve fallen in love with is the seamless tracking of online purchases, thanks to summary cards. Google is now introducing a new way to track your purchases in the app, while also helping you make the most out of the Promotions tab.
Gmail is introducing a new “Purchases” view in the left menu, positioned between the “Important” and “Sent” labels. This will save users the trouble of searching their inbox for recent purchases or upcoming deliveries.
It’s easy to miss if you’re not always paying attention to the labels section. Nevertheless, it’s a decent addition that brings all your order-related information together in one convenient location.
This new view will not impact the existing summary cards that appear at the top of the primary inbox, Gmail’s Chris Doan said in a blog post. Meanwhile, this Purchases view will also offer summary cards at the top highlighting upcoming deliveries. You will also find other relevant info in this view, including order confirmations, shipping updates, and more (via Android Authority).
Gmail says the feature is rolling out globally to users with personal Google accounts starting today. I’m not seeing it on the Gmail mobile or web apps as of now, though that could change imminently.
The often-overlooked ‘Promotions’ tab gets an update
Gmail’s new Purchases view and the updated Promotions tab
On top of this new Purchases view, Gmail is also making improvements to the Promotions tab in the left menu with a “Most relevant” filter, which will let you view “updates from senders and brands that matter most to you.” Gmail will also offer a “Most recent” filter if you prefer the current arrangement.
This updated Promotions tab will also offer “nudges” to the users, which will include “upcoming deals and timely offers.” Based on the imagery provided by Google, this could range from coupon codes to other offers displayed under a “Top deals for you” card at the top.
Unlike the Purchases view, these changes to the Promotions tab will roll out over the “coming weeks” for users with personal Google accounts on the Gmail smartphone app.
These changes to the world’s most popular email client come well in advance of the busy holiday shopping season and should make it a touch easier to track multiple orders or find a quick deal on your favorite items.
