Google adds auto reponses to Gmail

Google has added new functionality to its Gmail service

Gmail users can now set up automatic responses to common emails with a new feature called Canned Responses which can be added from the Labs section of Google Mail.

Users just need to compose a reply to a common email and save the message with the 'Canned Responses' option. When a similar email arrives, users can import the message back and send it again by clicking the same button.

"If you are sick of typing out the same reply every time someone emails you with a common question, now you can compose your reply once and save the message text with the 'Canned Responses' button," said Gmail engineer, Chad Parry in a blog posting.

The customised responses can also be sent automatically by combining the new feature with the Gmail Filters option found in the Settings menu. Different automated messages can be sent for different keywords.

"You can set a filter to grab one of your saved responses, create an automated reply and hit the Send button for you," said Parry.

Google has also made changes to Gmail Contacts. Instead of Google automatically adding frequently mailed contacts to a user's My Contacts group, users will be able to choose the contacts they want in the group themselves.

"As part of this change, we're moving previously auto-added contacts back into Suggested Contacts," said Benjamin Grol, product manager of Google Contacts, in a separate blog. "Only contacts that you've edited, imported or added to a group will remain in My Contacts."

Grol explained that this should allow users to easily synchronise contacts with their mobile devices.