Sometimes in July, Google gave us a taste of the new Gmail app by updating the app to include services like Meet, Chat, and Docs. Now, the Alphabet Inc. owned company is rebranding some of its apps to show better integration.
Fast Company published a report that Google is unveiling a new identity for Gmail, as part of the other apps under Google’s G-suite. The rebranding Gmail is getting will include an M logo that is in Google’s core blue, red, yellow, and green colours.
The Google-coloured M will replace the red envelope logo that Gmail is known for. The rebranding will make Gmail closely match similar logos for Google apps, like: Google Maps, Google Photos, Chrome, and many more Google products.
The Verge reports that the search engine giant initially considered dropping the M altogether, or fully remove the Gmail red color.
However, people involved in the initial research studies were not happy with the changes. In the end, Google realized that the envelope part of the Gmail logo wasn’t a part of its critical design element.
In related reports, Google is rebranding its G-suite app, and changing it to Google Workplace. Workspace will now be the umbrella name for Google’s collection of productivity apps like Gmail, Docs, Calendar, Drive, and so on.
The rebrand is more than just a new name: It also includes some significant changes both in function and in appearance. That means that the logos of all the apps under Google Workplace are getting a big makeover.
The colour and design updates on Google Workplace, and apps under it, will make Google better compete with the integrated approach of Microsoft Office, and specifically Outlook email.
“10 years ago, when many of our products were first developed, they were created as individual apps that solved distinct challenges – like a better email with Gmail, or a new way for individuals to collaborate together with Docs,” wrote Javier Soltero, Vice President and general manager of Google Workspace.
“Over time, our products have become more integrated, so much so that the lines between our apps have started to disappear,” Javier added.
The logo changes made across Google Workplace services have received some complain. A user noted that it would be difficult to identify the app because they were all changed at the same time. Another person noted that it is easier to see colours than shapes.