Google is planning to discontinue another product in its lineup, one that has been around for a very long time. The basic HTML version of Gmail, designed for legacy browsers or slower connections, will no longer be available from January 2024, when it will automatically switch to a normal view on load.

The basic HTML version of Gmail is very stripped down compared to the normal view, missing a significant number of features such as chat, importing contacts, and rich design. Google recommends b Support page that users switch to the normal view to access these features in desktop and mobile browsers.

The change was first noticed by the cash register, and later asked Google for a statement on why it decided to remove basic HTML from Gmail. The company replied the following:

“Gmail Basic HTML views are earlier versions of Gmail that were replaced by their modern successors 10+ years ago and do not include full Gmail feature functionality.”

Google has a reputation for removing services from its portfolio with little to no warning, a recent example being the removal of YouTube Stories after 5 years. A community-driven archive, the machine Killed by GoogleDocumenting every product that suffered a similar fate since 2018.

In addition, blind or visually impaired users expressed themselves Since the discovery when they use the basic version due to better compatibility with screen readers and easier navigation. Google even includes a link to the support page for those using screen readers with Gmail on the same page as the basic HTML support page, inadvertently acknowledging the problem of removing access to it.

Products are not always discontinued following a notification. However, in 2022, Google chose to keep the legacy free edition of G Suite alive for personal use due to complaints from its users who did not want to switch to its replacement, Google Workspace.

source: the cash register