Google has just released a new Inbox app intended as something completely different to Gmail – but with the same DNA. 

Think of Inbox as Gmail's distant, edgy cousin.

Inbox shake up

Google announced the news in a blog post.

“Years in the making, Inbox is by the same people who brought you Gmail, but it’s not Gmail: it’s a completely different type of inbox, designed to focus on what really matters,” wrote Sundar Pichai, SVP, Android, Chrome & Apps.

So what's the big difference? Delivering the most relevant information, rather than the most recent. Inbox does this in a number of ways.

Bundles

Inbox allows users to group similar types of emails (for example financial records) into one bundle, that can easily be accessed or archived. 

Google says users can also teach Inbox to adapt to the way they prefer to work, by choosing which emails to group together.

Highlights

The app also highlights key information from priority emails, including data about meeting times, documents, flight itineraries and so on.

Interestingly, Inbox will also pull relevant data from the web related to your emails (for example, the real-time status of your flight). 

Reminders

Finally, Inbox offers a full service reminder package.

Which means everything from your alarm to that alert reminding you to pick up the dry cleaning is now handled by Inbox. 

As an extra sweetener, Inbox Assists is a feature that suggests additional data to get your to-do list checked off. So if you're scheduled to pick some curtains from Ikea, Inbox can supply the store's phone number and opening hours.

Assists also works with email tasks, potentially taking some of the shine off Siri.

Climb on board

Does Inbox sound like your cup of tea? You may have to wait.

Google is currently sending out Inbox invitations to a select number of users, who can then invite one friend to join. 

For those who can't wait, try emailing inbox@google.com to request an Inbox test drive.

To find out more visit gmailblog.blogspot.co.uk.

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