Gmail users gain easier access to Google apps

Calendar and Docs can be viewed from within Gmail

Google is updating its Gmail service to enable users to view their Calendar and Docs from their mailbox.

“We’re offering a simple way to see your Google Calendar agenda and get an alert when you have a meeting, and a gadget that shows a list of your recently accessed Google Docs and lets you search across all of your documents right from within Gmail,” said Gmail engineer Dan Pupius in a blog posting.

A third feature will allow users to add links to other sites. Users will be able to add the new features from the Gmail Labs site.

The developments follow other Google Labs announcements, including Canned Responses, which allows users to set up automatic responses to common emails, and Mail Goggles, which aims to save individuals from sending drunken messages.

But Google suggested Gmail innovation could have drawbacks.

“There are also some downsides to the iframe-style Gadgets we’re using today – they can sometimes slow down the page,” said Pupius.

“We’re fanatical about speed, so we’ll be keeping a close eye on performance,” he added.