Tags: Atom, Gmail, Google, RSS, TechWhack, Web Clip

Google adds web clips, document preview, and shortcuts relevant to mail content on Gmail

Google has added more value added features to their much popular web mail service Gmail. We at TechWhack are yet to see the first one, which was reported to be seen in test phase by several bloggers sometime back. Gmail would now let users view RSS feeds in their Gmail inboxes through web clips at the top of their mail listing.

The feature is called Web Clip and shows content from any subscribed RSS or Atom feed. In addition, Google could also place a relevant sponsored links at this new section in Gmail. Users have the facility to input any specific RSS URL in their settings menu to get this feature working. However, as we said some Gmail users might not have access to this feature yet on their servers.

The second feature addition is something we definitely like to have in our Gmail boxes. Gmail would now let users view several popular file formats without requiring a third party application. The supported formats are PDF, MS Office, and OpenOffice document files in addition to other file types. This feature makes it easier to get access to the content of these files on the move if you do not have access to the relevant application.

However, in our tests, Gmail did not let the user view any images, which were included in a MS Word file, but then it is acceptable. Gmail converts these document formats to HTML temporarily so that the user can preview them before downloading them to their computers. The service has already been displaying previews of image-based attachments to make it easier for the user to decide on what files are worth downloading. We find this feature very helpful in handling large sized image attachments.

The third feature is mostly relevant to users in USA. Now the service makes it easier for the user to keep track of their packages and view maps to destinations. If the user opens up a mail message, which contains an address or package tracking number, Gmail shows handy links to maps and directions or the status of the delivery of the package. Now, this might get more privacy advocates to complain about the steps taken by the company.

Google however clearly states in their help pages:

These links are produced automatically for your convenience. No humans read the content of your email in order to generate these links and none of them are sponsored by advertisers. We hope you’ll find them relevant and useful!