Google boosts usability with Gmail revamp

Gmail is increasingly competing against corporate email services

Google has made some changes to Gmail designed to make it easier to store and search for contacts.

Features added to the Contacts tab include a larger notes field to record information, automatic saving, structured name fields, the ability to undo changes and keyboard shortcuts.

"We're constantly reviewing user feedback about Gmail, and for a while now the number one request has been for a better contacts experience," said Benjamin Grol, a product manager at Google, in a blog post.

"So, by popular request, we're happy to announce that an overhauled version of Gmail Contacts will be rolling out today."

The Gmail layout has been slightly tweaked with the Mail, Contacts and Tasks buttons now bumped up to a more prominent spot in the top left hand corner. The Compose option has been given a button of its own so that it cannot be missed.

Eagled-eyed users may also notice a smaller header area that puts the first message in the inbox approximately 16 pixels higher on the screen than before, according to Grol.

The improvements look to be well executed, and people who use Gmail for business are likely to find the additions useful as more contact information can be stored and made easily accessible.

Google is working to make the latest version of Contacts available to Google Apps customers.