Google is updating its popular email service, Gmail, with new features designed to make online shopping easier for its users. The update introduces a built-in package tracking system that shows delivery information directly in the inbox and a redesigned Promotions tab that displays more relevant deals. These changes help users manage their online orders and find discounts more effectively without leaving their email.
Key Takeaways
- A new view in Gmail lets you track the shipping status of your online orders.
- Estimated arrival dates appear next to the subject line in your main inbox list.
- The Promotions tab now groups deals from your favorite brands at the top.
- Specific offers, like discount codes and free shipping, are highlighted within the Promotions tab.
Track Your Orders in Gmail
Gmail’s new package tracking feature simplifies how you follow your online purchases. When you receive a shipping confirmation email from a retailer, Gmail can identify the tracking number. It will then automatically display the current delivery status, including the estimated arrival date, right in your inbox list. This saves you the trouble of opening the email and clicking on a separate tracking link.
When you open the email, a summary card at the top will show a timeline of the package’s journey, from when it was ordered to when it is expected to arrive. This feature is opt-in, meaning users must go into their Gmail settings to turn it on. While initially launched in the U.S., this functionality aims to make managing multiple orders from different sellers a much simpler task. The feature works with major shipping carriers.
A Smarter Promotions Tab
The Promotions tab, often a folder for marketing emails, is also getting a makeover. Google is making this section more useful for shoppers. The tab will now group promotional emails at the top, showing brand logos and highlighting specific deals, such as a “20% off” coupon or a “free shipping” offer.
This organization is personalized. Gmail will learn which brands and deals you interact with the most and feature them more prominently. The goal is to turn the Promotions tab from a cluttered space into a curated feed of shopping deals that are actually interesting to you. This helps you quickly spot the best offers without having to sift through dozens of emails.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How do I turn on package tracking in Gmail?
A. You can enable this feature by going to your Gmail settings, clicking the “General” tab, and looking for the “Package tracking” option to turn it on.
Q. Does Google use my purchase information for other ads?
A. According to Google’s privacy policy, the information from your purchase and shipping confirmation emails is used to provide the tracking feature within Gmail and is not used for other advertising purposes.
Q. Will this tracking work for all my online orders?
A. The feature works for most major shipping carriers. As long as the shipping confirmation email contains a supported tracking number, Gmail should be able to display its status.
Q. How does Gmail decide which promotions are relevant to me?
A. Gmail’s system looks at your past interactions, such as which promotional emails you open and which brands you engage with, to determine which deals to highlight for you in the Promotions tab.
