‘No one wants this’ Gmail users fume as Google makes major change to all accounts – but there’s a way to switch it back
GOOGLE has introduced a new 'smarter search' feature that lets AI highlight relevant messages in Gmail inboxes.
Instead of showing the emails that appear in search results in chronological order, Google's AI will choose which appear first based on its own metrics of relevancy.
The AI will consider factors like newness, frequently clicked emails, and popular contacts to surface the emails users are most likely looking for.
But the new feature has been met with pushback from Gmail users, who say it's not helpful.
"Literally no one wants this..." one user wrote on Reddit.
In the same thread, another added: "Great. Another "feature" to figure out how to disable."
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While a third person noted: "It sucks. Now when I check to see a new work email on my phone, it shows something three days old rather than the most recent in the chain."
The new feature is currently rolling out to Android, iOS and web users worldwide.
Fortunately, Gmail users will still have the option to sort their emails by 'most recent' if they prefer.
Users can toggle between the AI-powered 'most relevant' search to the typical 'most recent' search.
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Gmail already uses AI to power a number of tools, including Smart Reply, Smart Compose and 'Help me write'.
Google's AI, known as Gemini, is being injected into all the company's apps and services - to mixed responses from users.
Earlier this week, Google announced that it would be axing the popular Google Assistant and replacing it with Gemini.
The move will affect Android phones, as well as tablets and Google speakers like Nest.
The Google Assistant will no longer be available on "most" mobile devices by the end of the year, the firm has revealed.
This change has also stirred up fury with Android users.
"3/4 of the time Google chooses to do things that nobody wants," said one user on Reddit.
"'Hey let's get rid of Google Assistant [and] instead give you Gemini that does f*** all."
Another said: "One thing I hate about Google is they kill perfectly good things and call it innovation."
Google also quietly announced that some functions on Google Assistant are being removed immediately.
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This includes the ability to:
- Favourite, share, and ask where and when your photos were taken
- Change photo frame settings
- Translate your live conversation with someone who doesn’t speak your language
- Get birthday reminder notifications as part of Routines
- Ask to schedule or hear previously scheduled Family Bell announcements
- Get daily updates from your Assistant, such as “send me the weather every day
- Use Google Assistant on car accessories that have a Bluetooth connection or AUX plug
Must-know Android tips to boost your phone
Get the most out of your Android smartphone with these little-known hacks:
