Google quietly announced that the Basic HTML view in Gmail is being discontinued in January.
The Basic HTML view allows users on slow connections or legacy browsers to view and send emails without the overhead of the full Gmail experience needing to load first. However, that option is set to disappear early next year, with the Gmail support page stating, "You can display Gmail on your browser in Basic HTML view until January 2024. After this date, Gmail automatically changes to Standard view."
As The Register reports, Google hasn't offered a clear explanation as to why it's killing this useful feature beyond the following statement from a spokesperson:
"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."
It's unclear why Google thinks it needs to offer full feature functionality in a "basic" option that users know doesn't offer much functionality beyond reading and sending emails. The reason may be related to security, with the Gmail support page pointing out, "In Standard view, you can use the latest features and security in Gmail."
Whatever triggered this decision, users of the Basic HTML view have little choice but to prepare to lose the option, or start looking for an alternative email provider.
Google recently tested emoji reactions in Gmail for those times when you have no time to respond. Meanwhile, sensitive Gmail settings are going to be protected with a multi-factor challenge, and if you use the Gmail iOS or Android apps, Google Translate is now available to help read emails written in other languages.
