Google has revealed that it will discontinue the basic HTML version of Gmail by January 2024. This change was announced via the company's support page, stating that Gmail will automatically switch to ‘Standard View'. The exact date of this announcement remains unspecified. The basic HTML version lacks features like Chat, spell checker, and keyboard shortcuts, among others.
In a conversation with The Register, a Google spokesperson explained, “The Gmail Basic HTML views are previous versions of Gmail that were replaced by their modern successors 10+ years ago and do not include full Gmail feature functionality.” The Register's report also showed that the HTML version took approximately 1200 milliseconds to load, compared to the standard view's 700 milliseconds. However, web elements continued to load for almost a minute in the latter.
Impact on users and Google's past decisions
Initially designed for older browsers and slow internet connections, the basic HTML version of Gmail is instrumental in areas with poor connectivity. The version also supports visually impaired users as it's easier for screen readers to understand.
Google has a history of retiring products; this year alone, they have discontinued six products, including Google OnHub and Stadia.
Google still continues to support older services, such as offering a G Suite legacy edition for users who don't want to transition to Google Workspace.
