Google updates Gmail with pop-out message window

Google has announced plans to update its Gmail service with the ability to compose emails in a pop-out box in an effort to make it easier to search and source other information while writing a message.

The firm said this would help save time and improve efficiency when using its popular service as it would remove the need to save messages in draft form when looking for information to cite in the message, or if a new message appears.

"The new compose pops up in a window, just like chats (only larger). This makes it easy to reference any other emails without ever having to close your draft," explained Phil Sharp, product manager in a blog post announcing the update.

"You can even do a search or keep an eye on new mail as it comes in. And because the compose window works the same way as chats, you can write multiple messages at once and minimize a message to finish it later."

                   An example of the pop-out compose function in Gmail

Sharp also said that the firm has improved the reply function of the service.

"The reply experience has been designed to fit better inline as part of your conversation," he said.

"Replies take up much less vertical height, intelligently expand to fit your content, and always keep the recipients and other controls in view no matter how long your message gets."

The update to Gmail comes after the firm announced a trial earlier this month to merge its Gmail service with a mix of calendar information, Google Drive files and messages within emails to try to boost productivity.