Gmail for Android may support more email providers

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On Android, setting up email services other than Gmail involves using the built-in Email app or heading over to Google Play to install dedicated clients. But it looks like users may soon get another option, as Google will likely offer support for more email providers, like Outlook.com and Yahoo Mail, in its upcoming Gmail 5.0 app.

This appears to be Google's way of ensuring that Android users will finally be able to enjoy a consistent email experience no matter what device they may use or what customizations and apps the operating system features. It is a welcome change, and one that is long overdue.

For one thing, users should no longer have to switch between email apps to access multiple email services (other than Gmail, Outlook.com and Yahoo Mail are also supported, according to the folks at Android Police). That will, hopefully, include even their corporate accounts.

At the same time, this means that users will finally be able to avoid the built-in Email app. Because it has often been customized, the experience and functionality it offers may differ from one device to another, and is reported to cause all sorts of issues, including excessive battery drain.

Android Police says that switching between multiple Gmail and non-Gmail accounts in the new app should be seamless, as all accounts will be shown in the same list; a swipe or tap will allow users to switch between, let's say, Gmail and Outlook.com. Gmail for Android currently supports only Google's email services (Gmail and Google Apps).

This video showcases the changes that Google has baked into the app.

Other than the support for multiple email providers, Gmail 5.0 is also expected to introduce a new design, that more accurately reflects Google's Material Design language, and likely other features as well. It certainly looks much better than the current app.

Photo Credit:  2jenn/Shutterstock

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