Google Inbox is a handy way to optimize your Gmail with a few caveats
Google's recently launched Inbox mail app for iOS is still in its public beta phase, but after using it for a few weeks it's obvious the app is on its way to becoming something special. That is, if you're in the app's target demographic. For the average email user, Inbox may prove handy during the few times they travel during the year, but for users who regularly travel or are constantly on the go Inbox can be invaluable.
Expanding on Gmail's Categories system Inbox filters your emails into color coded Bundles, such as Finance or Travel, which appear in your main feed and in their own specific lists. When scrolling through your feed quickly you can see that you have two new Finance messages and three new Social messages in your inbox. It's good for quickly getting a read on what's in your mailbox so you can focus on what's important to you.
Where the Bundles system shines however is in the individual pages for each listing. Gmail's Category system sometimes makes things harder to find, thanks to occasionally storing emails in places you wouldn't normally look for them. Bundles grouping is significantly smarter, carefully grouping information and making everything from looking up flight information to hotel reservations a breeze. When trying to find specific information, Inbox has an advantage over Gmail simply thanks to its advanced filtering.
Archiving emails is done via swiping to the side of the screen like many email apps, but Inbox has added an incredible Snooze function which allows you set reminders for messages you're not ready to deal with yet. If you regularly find yourself meaning to get back to personal emails but forgetting when you're buried in your work day this feature will make you seem like more of a person to your friends.
Inbox also allows you to set reminders which are pinned to emails, so if your partner messages you a grocery list or a specific time concert tickets go on sale you can create a to-do list which will show up in the app's Reminders tab. Coupled with the Snooze feature the Reminders tab is a powerful tool for the absentminded to reclaim the semblance of being on top of things.
There are only two issues we've encountered with Inbox so far. First is the lack of support for Google Apps for Work email. For businesses who have made the switch the service is basically useless at the moment. The final issue is the lack of support for multiple accounts in one feed. The app thankfully allows you to switch between accounts with relative ease, but if you've been spoiled by Mail for iOS' ability to view different account message threads in one inbox it will be on your wish list of options for a future update.
For an app that's still in beta Inbox is a wonderfully full featured tool. It's not quite at the point of being a killer app for users who juggle multiple accounts, but if your digital life revolves around your one main email account it's a wonderful experience. You shouldn't completely delete the Gmail app from your phone just yet, but if Google keeps making improvements to Inbox it could very easy render its older sibling obsolete.
If you'd like to request an invite to Google Inbox just email inbox@google.com to request an invite. Once you're set up you can download the app here via the iTunes store.
