Google is informing Gmail users that the Basic HTML view of webmail will be removed in January 2024, and users will now need to use modern browsers to continue enjoying the service.
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From this date onwards, all users of the popular webmail service will be automatically redirected to the most modern and standard view, which offers all the latest usability and security features.
Basic HTML view is a simplified version of Gmail that does not offer users the ability to chat, check spelling, use keyboard shortcuts, add or import contacts, set custom "from" addresses, or use rich text formatting.
This feature is designed for people who live in areas with Internet and use older hardware with limited memory, or use legacy web browsers that do not support current HTML features.
However, one of the biggest reasons users choose to use HTML view is the reliability of text-to-speech tools used by visually impaired users. Standard view introduces complexities that make it difficult to manage these tools.
However, Google decided to retire Gmail's HTML view without providing detailed reasons for this choice.
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“Basic HTML view will be supported until early January 2024. Until then, your organization can use the current basic HTML view,” Google shared in email notifications to Google Workspace.
“Once the basic HTML view is disabled, users will be automatically redirected to the standard Gmail view, which provides the latest Gmail security and features“
“Users on older browsers may need to update their browser to use the standard view. On mobile, users can also download the official Gmail app.“
Starting in January 2024, Standard View will be the only available option, so users using Basic HTML View will need to prepare for the transition or switch to desktop email clients.
For users with older hardware, it is usually preferable to switch to lighter clients like Mozilla Thunderbird and Microsoft Outlook, rather than burdening their system with web-based platforms.
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For those who need accessibility, Thunderbird is known to work seamlessly with screen readers such as Jaws, NVDA, and Windows Eyes. Additionally, it offers a wide range of customization options for screen and text size, improving usability for people with visual impairments.
Microsoft Outlook, on the other hand, is a familiar solution for many users and offers a wide range of features. It is particularly popular in the business world and offers excellent integration with the Microsoft. Users who require a high level of adaptability and accessibility will find Outlook a reliable choice, supporting even the latest security standards.
